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The Laws of Magic
Isla Hoffman has finally made it. No longer the recklessly trusting teenage witch who nearly killed her family, Isla owns a successful business and is a healer to the residents of Bender, Massachusetts—human and nonhuman alike. How’d she do it? By hiding her identity and never, ever falling in love. Easy, until the ultimate temptation starts patrolling her parking lot.
Lu Cadman should have an ex- before her name. Ex-military. Ex-New Yorker. Ex-wife. Starting over means a new job as security for a sleepy strip mall, but she isn’t complaining, not when sunshiny Isla brings her tea almost every morning. She’s not planning to get involved, but there’s more to Isla than meets the eye and Lu can’t stop her attraction.
Isla and the nonhumans in their community aren’t as hidden as they think, and when a powerful force comes after them, they must work together to protect everyone. But Lu isn’t being completely honest, and when Isla discovers the truth, will she be able to trust enough to let herself fall in love?
Lu Cadman should have an ex- before her name. Ex-military. Ex-New Yorker. Ex-wife. Starting over means a new job as security for a sleepy strip mall, but she isn’t complaining, not when sunshiny Isla brings her tea almost every morning. She’s not planning to get involved, but there’s more to Isla than meets the eye and Lu can’t stop her attraction.
Isla and the nonhumans in their community aren’t as hidden as they think, and when a powerful force comes after them, they must work together to protect everyone. But Lu isn’t being completely honest, and when Isla discovers the truth, will she be able to trust enough to let herself fall in love?
Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2022
3 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
M. Ullrich
14 books202 followersM. Ullrich is a four-time Goldie Award finalist and a two-time Lambda Literary Award finalist, and she has been featured in The Advocate magazine. She currently resides by the New Jersey Shore, but dreams of living someplace a little less touristy and with a whole lot less road rage. When she’s not writing or working her full-time job, M. Ullrich appreciates the simple pleasures in life like breakfast foods and sweet treats, working on her artistic skills, and enjoying the company of someone who laughs at her ridiculous humor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
September 29, 2022
Bender, Massachusetts has its fair share of “inhumans”, witches, warlocks, and werewolves to name but a few. This is exactly why Isla opened her store of potions and ointments while offering her witchery healing talent to all in need.
Lu’s new job is as a security guard for the strip mall which houses Isla’s store. It is the most boring job in the world except for the fact that she gets to see Isla everyday. Until the day Isla really needs Lu’s help.
The novel caught my attention at the beginning with a myriad of quirky characters. As the story unraveled, I found it tried to be too many things at once. A fable about the island and moon, a slow burn romance between Isla and Lu while attempting to create tension and action with an unknown aggressor attacking Isla and Lu’s job being complicated. With so much going on I lost my attachment to the main characters. There is also a major plot twist near the end concerning Isla and Henry which down played the ramifications while turning me off Isla’s character completely.
The writing style reads easily. I did finish the novel and found it entertaining at times. Others may thoroughly enjoy the novel but it just was not for me.
I received a free advance review copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lu’s new job is as a security guard for the strip mall which houses Isla’s store. It is the most boring job in the world except for the fact that she gets to see Isla everyday. Until the day Isla really needs Lu’s help.
The novel caught my attention at the beginning with a myriad of quirky characters. As the story unraveled, I found it tried to be too many things at once. A fable about the island and moon, a slow burn romance between Isla and Lu while attempting to create tension and action with an unknown aggressor attacking Isla and Lu’s job being complicated. With so much going on I lost my attachment to the main characters. There is also a major plot twist near the end concerning Isla and Henry which down played the ramifications while turning me off Isla’s character completely.
The writing style reads easily. I did finish the novel and found it entertaining at times. Others may thoroughly enjoy the novel but it just was not for me.
I received a free advance review copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 18, 2022
I enjoyed reading previous books by Ullrich, so I was very curious and excited to see a new book being released with a paranormal touch to it. This is an urban paranormal book and the paranormal touches are quite light, so it’s rather accessible. While I was looking forward to reading this book I’m sorry to say I was slightly disappointed, I couldn’t connect with the characters or the storyline very well.
This book is set in a strip mall where Isla’s apothecary is located that caters to the ‘unknowing’ humans and to the ‘nonhumans’ that live in hiding. Lu, the security guard at the strip mall, is receiving almost daily tea breaks that are personally delivered by Isla who is crushing on the handsome butch security guard. But, both MCs are not looking for a relationship even if they can’t deny their attraction. At the same time there is a danger lurking and nothing or nobody is what it seems.
What I like about paranormal or fantasy books is the ability to build a world that doesn’t exist. With a book titled ‘The laws of magic’ I was expecting to learn quite a bit about magic and the magic system and was sad to see that there was little attention for this. Isla is a very powerful witch, but it is never explained what exactly she can do or how it works. Especially during events near the ending of the book, this lack of insights made the ending feel too
easy and rushed. I did feel the danger of the villain in this book, but again they could have gotten more depth and become more scarier if I had gotten more insights in the abilities and their power in the non-human world.
The premise of this book is good and was what attracted me to read it, but the pacing threw me off at times. This book starts with two MCs that have a mysterious background and you want to know more about this background. I like it when I’m kept in the dark for a while I slowly get the info I’m waiting for, but here it took a bit too long for me and the romance that is connected to the background story also took a long time to get rolling. The romance felt awkward for quite some time and it is built on a deception which was also dragged on too long for my liking. Once they were together though, the pacing went up a couple of notches and the romance (as well as the other storyline) moved very fast into full trust which was not the most believable after their distrust at the start of the book.
I liked Isla and her co-workers at the apothecary, they form a coven and their connections to each other feel like sibling connections with some banter and teasing. For some reason I didn’t really get to like Lu, I didn’t understand her and I was wondering how well Isla did.
Taken together, the idea of this book is interesting making it an ok read, but there were too many issues that kept me from truly enjoying it. Like with all books, others might enjoy it better, so just see for yourself.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is set in a strip mall where Isla’s apothecary is located that caters to the ‘unknowing’ humans and to the ‘nonhumans’ that live in hiding. Lu, the security guard at the strip mall, is receiving almost daily tea breaks that are personally delivered by Isla who is crushing on the handsome butch security guard. But, both MCs are not looking for a relationship even if they can’t deny their attraction. At the same time there is a danger lurking and nothing or nobody is what it seems.
What I like about paranormal or fantasy books is the ability to build a world that doesn’t exist. With a book titled ‘The laws of magic’ I was expecting to learn quite a bit about magic and the magic system and was sad to see that there was little attention for this. Isla is a very powerful witch, but it is never explained what exactly she can do or how it works. Especially during events near the ending of the book, this lack of insights made the ending feel too
easy and rushed. I did feel the danger of the villain in this book, but again they could have gotten more depth and become more scarier if I had gotten more insights in the abilities and their power in the non-human world.
The premise of this book is good and was what attracted me to read it, but the pacing threw me off at times. This book starts with two MCs that have a mysterious background and you want to know more about this background. I like it when I’m kept in the dark for a while I slowly get the info I’m waiting for, but here it took a bit too long for me and the romance that is connected to the background story also took a long time to get rolling. The romance felt awkward for quite some time and it is built on a deception which was also dragged on too long for my liking. Once they were together though, the pacing went up a couple of notches and the romance (as well as the other storyline) moved very fast into full trust which was not the most believable after their distrust at the start of the book.
I liked Isla and her co-workers at the apothecary, they form a coven and their connections to each other feel like sibling connections with some banter and teasing. For some reason I didn’t really get to like Lu, I didn’t understand her and I was wondering how well Isla did.
Taken together, the idea of this book is interesting making it an ok read, but there were too many issues that kept me from truly enjoying it. Like with all books, others might enjoy it better, so just see for yourself.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for the Advance Reader Copy of this novel.
The premise of this story is sweet- a sapphic urban fantasy romance, wherein witch meets alleged rent-a-cop. However, a more honest way to describe it would be "urban witch has abandonment issues and terrible taste in women, but very good business sense, so at least she has one thing going for her." I'm going to leave this review spoiler-free, but I think it's important to know that the main internal conflict between the protagonists involves willful deception that is then plastered over in a way that feels artificial. This could be due to the fact that the characters themselves are underdeveloped, or because there simply isn't enough time given to make the hasty conclusion feel authentic. It felt like 90% of the book was dialogue, which might work for some readers, but I feel that some of the mundane conversation could have been avoided, or replaced entirely with deeper character and plot development. There are ways to write morally grey characters (as I believe Lou is) that are nuanced and understandable- but that certainly does not happen here, which was a disappointment, considering the ample opportunity. I also think the denouement had some plot holes, but to avoid spoilers I won't give examples. If you want an easy sapphic romance and don't expect anything too meaningful, this could be for you. It was not for me, unfortunately.
The premise of this story is sweet- a sapphic urban fantasy romance, wherein witch meets alleged rent-a-cop. However, a more honest way to describe it would be "urban witch has abandonment issues and terrible taste in women, but very good business sense, so at least she has one thing going for her." I'm going to leave this review spoiler-free, but I think it's important to know that the main internal conflict between the protagonists involves willful deception that is then plastered over in a way that feels artificial. This could be due to the fact that the characters themselves are underdeveloped, or because there simply isn't enough time given to make the hasty conclusion feel authentic. It felt like 90% of the book was dialogue, which might work for some readers, but I feel that some of the mundane conversation could have been avoided, or replaced entirely with deeper character and plot development. There are ways to write morally grey characters (as I believe Lou is) that are nuanced and understandable- but that certainly does not happen here, which was a disappointment, considering the ample opportunity. I also think the denouement had some plot holes, but to avoid spoilers I won't give examples. If you want an easy sapphic romance and don't expect anything too meaningful, this could be for you. It was not for me, unfortunately.
September 13, 2022
This was an interesting urban fantasy read. In which we're in the modern world as we know it, only there's real magics, witches and creatures existing. They live in hiding, the humans not aware of their existence. For most - that's how they like it.
Our MC Isla is a powerful witch who takes her job as a healer in the magical community seriously. She's there for her magical customers when in need, and also a fair amount of regular humans too. She's loyal and protective, but closed off to love.
Enter hot butch security officer, Lu. Both are captivated by each other, but try to deny the chemistry. But more is going on for Lu, as she struggles with her job, and belonging, after leaving the military and divorcing.
Unfortunately I struggled with the romance here, because of the secret that was kept from one MC, and it being quite a doozy. The distrust and dishonesty that happened wasn't something I felt was entirely forgivable. I personally struggled a bit with the personality of Lu, overall - and especially her motivations. So I wasn't as sucked in to the story, or characters, as I should have been. Perhaps that's on me.
The ending wrapped up a bit too easily, despite a lot of major drama and obstacles, and so I found it a bit hard to swallow. It just ultimately wasn't satisfying, for me.
As always, check it out for yourself. This could very much be a 'me' issue thing. I struggle with lies of omission and enemies that are made out to be huge, but then easily thwarted for the convenience of plot.
Our MC Isla is a powerful witch who takes her job as a healer in the magical community seriously. She's there for her magical customers when in need, and also a fair amount of regular humans too. She's loyal and protective, but closed off to love.
Enter hot butch security officer, Lu. Both are captivated by each other, but try to deny the chemistry. But more is going on for Lu, as she struggles with her job, and belonging, after leaving the military and divorcing.
Unfortunately I struggled with the romance here, because of the secret that was kept from one MC, and it being quite a doozy. The distrust and dishonesty that happened wasn't something I felt was entirely forgivable. I personally struggled a bit with the personality of Lu, overall - and especially her motivations. So I wasn't as sucked in to the story, or characters, as I should have been. Perhaps that's on me.
The ending wrapped up a bit too easily, despite a lot of major drama and obstacles, and so I found it a bit hard to swallow. It just ultimately wasn't satisfying, for me.
As always, check it out for yourself. This could very much be a 'me' issue thing. I struggle with lies of omission and enemies that are made out to be huge, but then easily thwarted for the convenience of plot.
October 14, 2022
This is a story about Isla Hoffman who is a witch. She owns a fairly successful apothecary. She treats both inhumans and humans with a mix of natural herbal cures and some magic. She is a very kind person who’s had a mysterious past with her family. And we have Lu Cadman who is a security cop on patrol in the strip mall where the apothecary shop is located.
Isla brings Lu herbal tea every morning out to her squad car. They both start to have feelings for each other but don’t acknowledge them until midway through the book. Once they do, they are both hooked.
Lu has a big secret and it almost ruins their new relationship. Lu tries to help Isla with her inhuman enemy but she is no match for the evil ones power and ends up getting hurt.
I liked this book and the premise was good but it was fairly simplistic. There was not much development on the art of magic, very little time spent describing the abilities of the paranormal characters. I wish that Ulrich would have added more details to this book and more background on both MCs.
ARC received from the publisher through NetGalley for a voluntary and honest review.
Isla brings Lu herbal tea every morning out to her squad car. They both start to have feelings for each other but don’t acknowledge them until midway through the book. Once they do, they are both hooked.
Lu has a big secret and it almost ruins their new relationship. Lu tries to help Isla with her inhuman enemy but she is no match for the evil ones power and ends up getting hurt.
I liked this book and the premise was good but it was fairly simplistic. There was not much development on the art of magic, very little time spent describing the abilities of the paranormal characters. I wish that Ulrich would have added more details to this book and more background on both MCs.
ARC received from the publisher through NetGalley for a voluntary and honest review.
September 15, 2022
Isla is the neighborhood witch in Bender, MA and helps all the locals with all their witchy needs. Lu is the security guard who patrols the strip mall where Isla owns an apothecary shop. As they find themselves drawn to each other some other mysterious things start to happen around the shop and Lu and Isla join forces to figure it all out.
Books like this need a very delicate balance of letting the reader in and also keeping a bit of the mystery to keep them moving forward. I felt like this one had a bit too much mystery both in terms of what was going on in the present as well as the past of both MCs. There were some cute scenes between them but the lack of backstory made me feel a bit disconnected from them. I love magical books like this but the supernatural was really only in a few scenes. I would love to have seen that aspect a bit more played out in the plot. I wanted to love this one but overall felt like it was just an ok read. I've liked other books by this author so hopefully the next one will be another hit.
Books like this need a very delicate balance of letting the reader in and also keeping a bit of the mystery to keep them moving forward. I felt like this one had a bit too much mystery both in terms of what was going on in the present as well as the past of both MCs. There were some cute scenes between them but the lack of backstory made me feel a bit disconnected from them. I love magical books like this but the supernatural was really only in a few scenes. I would love to have seen that aspect a bit more played out in the plot. I wanted to love this one but overall felt like it was just an ok read. I've liked other books by this author so hopefully the next one will be another hit.
September 20, 2022
I selected this book because Ulrich is one of my favorite author's. But this story just did not resonate with me. The story took forever to get going and then I didn't find it very interesting. It wasn't clever, magical or scary. And I didn't care about any of the characters. At about the 80% mark I realized that I didn't care how it turned out....And stopped reading.
My apologies to the author....you still remain one of my favorite authors....This one was your first miss with me.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review
My apologies to the author....you still remain one of my favorite authors....This one was your first miss with me.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review
October 26, 2022
A lovely story!
Isla, a successful business owner, healer, and witch, has always stayed clear of falling in love. Lu, the new security person for the local mall nearby Isla’s shop is quite taken with her and struggles to fight her attraction to Isla. When powerful forces threaten Isla’s community, she relies on Lu but Lu hadn’t really realised, when taking her new job, just what she was letting herself in for.
Magical, a little spooky, and lots of fun. I really enjoyed getting to know Isla and Lu, then being a part of things when they started learning more about one another and had that element of hesitation at fear of the unknown. In some ways they were so similar, trying to fight their feelings and not get to close to one another for very different reasons and yet they were naturally drawn to one another and had a great chemistry.
The story was very clever in its set up and I couldn’t have predicted all that actually did happen. It was all woven in a way where every moment was uncertain and just when you thought you knew a character you questioned if you did or not. There were so many cute moments to balance the drama that surrounded Isla and Lu’s budding try at romance. It’s difficult to share too much without giving away too much of the plot, but I had so much fun reading it and loved how it all seemed so innocent to start until the truth started surfacing.
There was also a fantastic cast of characters, providing all sorts of magic mischief and complications to the mix. Then there were those more in Lu’s world that added depth to the scheming and worry that surrounded the situation Isla and Lu found themselves caught up in. Each of them brought a little something extra to helping Isla and Lu along in their relationship and finally finding happiness.
A great romance between two quirky, loveable, and complete unique characters that were a force to be reckoned with then they started working together. No doubt they have a fun and fabulous future ahead, so here’s hoping for more stories for Lu and Isla to come
Isla, a successful business owner, healer, and witch, has always stayed clear of falling in love. Lu, the new security person for the local mall nearby Isla’s shop is quite taken with her and struggles to fight her attraction to Isla. When powerful forces threaten Isla’s community, she relies on Lu but Lu hadn’t really realised, when taking her new job, just what she was letting herself in for.
Magical, a little spooky, and lots of fun. I really enjoyed getting to know Isla and Lu, then being a part of things when they started learning more about one another and had that element of hesitation at fear of the unknown. In some ways they were so similar, trying to fight their feelings and not get to close to one another for very different reasons and yet they were naturally drawn to one another and had a great chemistry.
The story was very clever in its set up and I couldn’t have predicted all that actually did happen. It was all woven in a way where every moment was uncertain and just when you thought you knew a character you questioned if you did or not. There were so many cute moments to balance the drama that surrounded Isla and Lu’s budding try at romance. It’s difficult to share too much without giving away too much of the plot, but I had so much fun reading it and loved how it all seemed so innocent to start until the truth started surfacing.
There was also a fantastic cast of characters, providing all sorts of magic mischief and complications to the mix. Then there were those more in Lu’s world that added depth to the scheming and worry that surrounded the situation Isla and Lu found themselves caught up in. Each of them brought a little something extra to helping Isla and Lu along in their relationship and finally finding happiness.
A great romance between two quirky, loveable, and complete unique characters that were a force to be reckoned with then they started working together. No doubt they have a fun and fabulous future ahead, so here’s hoping for more stories for Lu and Isla to come
October 16, 2022
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve enjoyed some of Ullrich’s previous books, and I like paranormal stories, so was intrigued by the magic premise of this book. Unfortunately, it did not live up to expectations and the main premise was pretty muddled.
The MCs here are Isla, a witch with a tragic past who has sworn off love and Lu, ex-military and divorced and now working as security in the strip mall where Isla has her apothecary (and apparently also lives, though I don’t know how anyone lives above a strip mall). Both are already attracted to each other when the book begins, so we don’t see the first meeting. Isla’s store also houses Christopher and Daria, two of the more interesting characters in the book and the three of them treat ‘in humans’ and humans.
Both characters are also hiding something from the other, in Islas’s case, it’s that she’s a witch. I won’t spoil Lu’s secret, but the reveal takes way too long, coming at just past the 70% mark, which makes the resolutions and resulting resumption of their relationship far too rushed. Not that I cared by that point, because the main storyline in the book of something being awry and then what that actually is was so convoluted and crammed with supposedly worrisome/scary bad guys who were just tiresome instead had me wanting to put the book down multiple times. I only kept going to see Lu’s reveal, and by the time I got to it with 30% to go, decided to persevere.
Isla, Christopher and Daria are all interesting and lovely, Lu is likeable only with her sister and niece as the deception she’s playing out on Isla overshadows their relationship, and was unforgivable in my opinion. The other side characters are either boring bad guys or Isla’s patients, and none are particularly fleshed out. Isla’s family dramas manage to be both boring and ridiculous.
Given some actual world building, a proper explanation of Isla’s powers and why she was so powerful, less deception and more interesting intrigue this might have been a worthwhile read, but it misses on pretty much every level. If you haven’t tried Ullrich before, I suggest Pretending in Paradise instead. 2 stars.
I’ve enjoyed some of Ullrich’s previous books, and I like paranormal stories, so was intrigued by the magic premise of this book. Unfortunately, it did not live up to expectations and the main premise was pretty muddled.
The MCs here are Isla, a witch with a tragic past who has sworn off love and Lu, ex-military and divorced and now working as security in the strip mall where Isla has her apothecary (and apparently also lives, though I don’t know how anyone lives above a strip mall). Both are already attracted to each other when the book begins, so we don’t see the first meeting. Isla’s store also houses Christopher and Daria, two of the more interesting characters in the book and the three of them treat ‘in humans’ and humans.
Both characters are also hiding something from the other, in Islas’s case, it’s that she’s a witch. I won’t spoil Lu’s secret, but the reveal takes way too long, coming at just past the 70% mark, which makes the resolutions and resulting resumption of their relationship far too rushed. Not that I cared by that point, because the main storyline in the book of something being awry and then what that actually is was so convoluted and crammed with supposedly worrisome/scary bad guys who were just tiresome instead had me wanting to put the book down multiple times. I only kept going to see Lu’s reveal, and by the time I got to it with 30% to go, decided to persevere.
Isla, Christopher and Daria are all interesting and lovely, Lu is likeable only with her sister and niece as the deception she’s playing out on Isla overshadows their relationship, and was unforgivable in my opinion. The other side characters are either boring bad guys or Isla’s patients, and none are particularly fleshed out. Isla’s family dramas manage to be both boring and ridiculous.
Given some actual world building, a proper explanation of Isla’s powers and why she was so powerful, less deception and more interesting intrigue this might have been a worthwhile read, but it misses on pretty much every level. If you haven’t tried Ullrich before, I suggest Pretending in Paradise instead. 2 stars.
October 29, 2022
If you enjoy your witches’ warlocks and werewolves this book is for you! The book is entertaining and I did enjoy it. It's an easy read, with loveable characters and a good storyline.
I'll confess here... Don't normally read books with witches, werewolves and warlocks... They just aren't my ‘thing’. But I promised myself at the beginning of the year I would read out of my comfort zone... And this book wasn't half bad! I'm not sure how it matches up to other witches, werewolves and warlocks, but I did really enjoy it.
I've given it a 3.5 out of 5.
I'll confess here... Don't normally read books with witches, werewolves and warlocks... They just aren't my ‘thing’. But I promised myself at the beginning of the year I would read out of my comfort zone... And this book wasn't half bad! I'm not sure how it matches up to other witches, werewolves and warlocks, but I did really enjoy it.
I've given it a 3.5 out of 5.
September 14, 2022
This was, unfortunately, a DNF for me at 55%.
The first problem was that it was mentioned eleventy-hundred times that Isla's apothecary is in a strip mall. And then, a few chapters in, you find out that Isla lives in an apartment above the strip mall. Where, pray tell, is this strip mall in America with apartments over it? A quick Google search would have shown anyone - the author, the editor, literally anyone just in case they didn't know - that the definition of a strip mall is that it is usually one story and on a busy road. Yet, Isla has a surprisingly spacious apartment, with a king-sized bed and a nice bay window that gives her views of the stars and moon. Not a parking lot or dumpsters, which would be your real view from a strip mall. This detail alone made me want to quit the book, but I persisted. It just felt sloppy. There are many cute Main Street settings that could have been chosen where there definitely would be an apartment over a store and where a locally owned apothecary would be a more comfortable fit.
Anyway... then we get to the romance. Every interaction between Lu and Isla is awkward, terrible, and kind of erratic. Like it's almost like they're not even having the same conversation. And then all of a sudden they want to jump each other's bones and start dating? I didn't really buy it. I also didn't buy that Isla, who had sworn off all romance, would be so fully trusting with a new partner so fast. Sure, she had to disclose some things because of the circumstances, but I don't think she would tell an almost stranger all of the business of her friends and customers and assume that all that would work out OK - especially when she had been so hurt in the past and didn't want to get involved with anyone anyway. I could also see exactly where this was going and what their conflict was going to be, and frankly, I didn't want to be here for it. So, I gave up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The first problem was that it was mentioned eleventy-hundred times that Isla's apothecary is in a strip mall. And then, a few chapters in, you find out that Isla lives in an apartment above the strip mall. Where, pray tell, is this strip mall in America with apartments over it? A quick Google search would have shown anyone - the author, the editor, literally anyone just in case they didn't know - that the definition of a strip mall is that it is usually one story and on a busy road. Yet, Isla has a surprisingly spacious apartment, with a king-sized bed and a nice bay window that gives her views of the stars and moon. Not a parking lot or dumpsters, which would be your real view from a strip mall. This detail alone made me want to quit the book, but I persisted. It just felt sloppy. There are many cute Main Street settings that could have been chosen where there definitely would be an apartment over a store and where a locally owned apothecary would be a more comfortable fit.
Anyway... then we get to the romance. Every interaction between Lu and Isla is awkward, terrible, and kind of erratic. Like it's almost like they're not even having the same conversation. And then all of a sudden they want to jump each other's bones and start dating? I didn't really buy it. I also didn't buy that Isla, who had sworn off all romance, would be so fully trusting with a new partner so fast. Sure, she had to disclose some things because of the circumstances, but I don't think she would tell an almost stranger all of the business of her friends and customers and assume that all that would work out OK - especially when she had been so hurt in the past and didn't want to get involved with anyone anyway. I could also see exactly where this was going and what their conflict was going to be, and frankly, I didn't want to be here for it. So, I gave up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 21, 2022
‘The Laws of Magic’ is a great union of sapphic romance and the supernatural genres.
Isla Hoffman runs a quaint tea shop and has built a reputation as a herbal healer, but things aren’t so successful in her private life. Then Lu Cadman moves into town and is working as a security guard; she has a lot of regrets and a fresh start in a new place that suddenly looks a lot brighter when Isla brings her tea.
The great thing about Ullrich’s writing is that even if supernatural beings aren’t your usual go-to, she constructs brilliant characters who despite imminent threat to their community can’t help but be drawn towards one another.
For me this was a quirky read that I really enjoyed especially because the vivid supporting characters and magical realism made it stand out within the sapphic genre. I have read several of Ullrich’s previous novels but loved reading a fresh switch up of style and tone. I enjoyed the really original characters and a twisty tale; a perfect winter read to cozy up with.
Isla Hoffman runs a quaint tea shop and has built a reputation as a herbal healer, but things aren’t so successful in her private life. Then Lu Cadman moves into town and is working as a security guard; she has a lot of regrets and a fresh start in a new place that suddenly looks a lot brighter when Isla brings her tea.
The great thing about Ullrich’s writing is that even if supernatural beings aren’t your usual go-to, she constructs brilliant characters who despite imminent threat to their community can’t help but be drawn towards one another.
For me this was a quirky read that I really enjoyed especially because the vivid supporting characters and magical realism made it stand out within the sapphic genre. I have read several of Ullrich’s previous novels but loved reading a fresh switch up of style and tone. I enjoyed the really original characters and a twisty tale; a perfect winter read to cozy up with.
September 16, 2022
Isla is a witch who helps humans and non humans she finally has everything going for her. Lu is a security guard at the strip mall where Isla shop is at. Isla and Lu are drawn towards each other just when mysterious stuff starts happening and they both team up to find out what going on. I won’t go into it much because I tend to reveal more then I should but there are some great twists. I like the other characters Daria and Christopher in particular were great as were Kayla and Lilly they put more to the story. This wasn’t a bad story I just wish it had more supernatural elements.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
September 20, 2022
I selected this book because Ulrich is one of my favorite author's. But this story just did not resonate with me. The story took forever to get going and then I didn't find it very interesting. It wasn't clever, magical or scary. And I didn't care about any of the characters. At about the 80% mark I realized that I didn't care how it turned out....And stopped reading.
My apologies to the author....you still remain one of my favorite authors....This one was your first miss with me.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review
My apologies to the author....you still remain one of my favorite authors....This one was your first miss with me.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review
October 9, 2022
"Always trust your intuwitchin" - Isla
I was so excited to read this one! Contemporary fantasy with Witches! Especially an apothecary witch! I loved three of the characters - Isla, Daria and Christopher. I thought they were very fleshed out and understood them. I also really liked that our MC's weren't 18 year olds but grown women! I rate the spice at a 2 - not fade to black but not long, detailed scenes or very much. But there was some beautiful, slow burn tension. What I was looking for was more plot wise. Some of the book seemed slow and focussed on the relationship, and then the rest of the plot was quickly wrapped up in the last 25%. I would love a book 2 to explain some of the moments and magic more.
Thankyou Netgalley for the ARC.
I was so excited to read this one! Contemporary fantasy with Witches! Especially an apothecary witch! I loved three of the characters - Isla, Daria and Christopher. I thought they were very fleshed out and understood them. I also really liked that our MC's weren't 18 year olds but grown women! I rate the spice at a 2 - not fade to black but not long, detailed scenes or very much. But there was some beautiful, slow burn tension. What I was looking for was more plot wise. Some of the book seemed slow and focussed on the relationship, and then the rest of the plot was quickly wrapped up in the last 25%. I would love a book 2 to explain some of the moments and magic more.
Thankyou Netgalley for the ARC.
September 14, 2022
I was so excited to get into this story… So excited, that it pains me to say I disliked it.
Isla owns an apothecary, where she helps humans and nonhumans alike. Isla is a witch. Enter Lu. Lu is a “security officer”, whose job is to watch over the stores in the strip mall, specially Islas’. Isla brings Lu tea every morning, *which she throws away*, and has a super crush on her. However, Isla does not allow her herself to get close to Lu because of something that happened in her past. Mysterious things keep happening, bringing Lu and Isla together time and time again, until they can no longer refuse their feelings for each other. *scoffs* (what feelings). Together, they need to find a way to stop this threat, and save inhumans.
Now for the parts I did not like:
- Lu. As a whole. (Idk what Isla saw in her)
- The romance… it just wasn’t there. (And this is a HUGE amount of the book)
- Lu’s lie. Which in my opinion, Isla should’ve never forgave her. It was too much. Too big.
- The banter.
- Isla was extremely stubborn.
- The ending was rushed.
Things I liked:
- Daria
- Christopher
- The premise
- Isla, sometimes
Overall, this book fell short. I wanted to love it, but it wasn’t what it thought.
Thanks NetGalley, M. Ullrich, and Bold Strokes Books Inc. for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Isla owns an apothecary, where she helps humans and nonhumans alike. Isla is a witch. Enter Lu. Lu is a “security officer”, whose job is to watch over the stores in the strip mall, specially Islas’. Isla brings Lu tea every morning, *which she throws away*, and has a super crush on her. However, Isla does not allow her herself to get close to Lu because of something that happened in her past. Mysterious things keep happening, bringing Lu and Isla together time and time again, until they can no longer refuse their feelings for each other. *scoffs* (what feelings). Together, they need to find a way to stop this threat, and save inhumans.
Now for the parts I did not like:
- Lu. As a whole. (Idk what Isla saw in her)
- The romance… it just wasn’t there. (And this is a HUGE amount of the book)
- Lu’s lie. Which in my opinion, Isla should’ve never forgave her. It was too much. Too big.
- The banter.
- Isla was extremely stubborn.
- The ending was rushed.
Things I liked:
- Daria
- Christopher
- The premise
- Isla, sometimes
Overall, this book fell short. I wanted to love it, but it wasn’t what it thought.
Thanks NetGalley, M. Ullrich, and Bold Strokes Books Inc. for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I will admit, witchy vibes is right up my alley. The cover and description drew me in. I was excited to get the chance to review this but then I ended up pretty disappointed.
There was a lot of descriptive aspects that just seemed poorly planned out. An apartment above a strip mall for starters? Has the author ever been to a strip mall?
I appreciate being able to read this but it was not for me.
I will admit, witchy vibes is right up my alley. The cover and description drew me in. I was excited to get the chance to review this but then I ended up pretty disappointed.
There was a lot of descriptive aspects that just seemed poorly planned out. An apartment above a strip mall for starters? Has the author ever been to a strip mall?
I appreciate being able to read this but it was not for me.
September 16, 2022
The Laws of Magic by M.Ullrich
Thank you Netgallery and Bold Stroke books for an ARC for an unbiased review.
Oh how I wanted to love this book. It was, from the synopsis, something that usually I'd snap up.
This isn't a sophisticated or difficult read, and while that isn't necessarily something that hurts a book, in this instance I felt it did. The 1st irritant for me was how frequently the words 'strip mall' were used. But that turned into incredulity when it was mentioned that Isla lived in an apartment above her shop. I'm a Brit, & while here in the UK that might be more commonplace on a similar stretch of shops/stores we have (even if we don't call them strip malls,) as far as I'm aware this isn't something that happens in the United States.
Then we come to Lu. I really enjoyed the characterisation to begin with, but then the betrayal aspect seemed too great for Isla to forgive. Okay, Isla 'read' Lu after defeating the big bad, and it helps explain why Isla was then willing to forgive and make a go of their relationship, but ahead of that, it all just felt too easy. The conflict they had with each other just seemed too neatly wrapped up.
Now, this doesn't mean the story wasn't without its good points. Daria and Christopher in particular were great additions, as were Kayla and Lilly - although not as frequently - to the main characters. The dynamics with them all allowed me to enjoy the book more than I would have done if it was more focused on Isla and Lu.
The twists were okay. The 1st one I didn't expect, but the 2nd I was expecting a similar connection, so it didn't perhaps have the impact it would have done.
I was trying to figure out how best to rate this, and ultimately decided on 3/5, although in fairness it probably is closer to 2.5/5 but I felt there was enough to not drop it to 2/5 stars ⭐️
As always, others might find more to enjoy about the book. I'd say this isn't necessarily an overall bad story, but I just couldn't get into the vibe or story as much as I had wanted to.
Thank you Netgallery and Bold Stroke books for an ARC for an unbiased review.
Oh how I wanted to love this book. It was, from the synopsis, something that usually I'd snap up.
This isn't a sophisticated or difficult read, and while that isn't necessarily something that hurts a book, in this instance I felt it did. The 1st irritant for me was how frequently the words 'strip mall' were used. But that turned into incredulity when it was mentioned that Isla lived in an apartment above her shop. I'm a Brit, & while here in the UK that might be more commonplace on a similar stretch of shops/stores we have (even if we don't call them strip malls,) as far as I'm aware this isn't something that happens in the United States.
Then we come to Lu. I really enjoyed the characterisation to begin with, but then the betrayal aspect seemed too great for Isla to forgive. Okay, Isla 'read' Lu after defeating the big bad, and it helps explain why Isla was then willing to forgive and make a go of their relationship, but ahead of that, it all just felt too easy. The conflict they had with each other just seemed too neatly wrapped up.
Now, this doesn't mean the story wasn't without its good points. Daria and Christopher in particular were great additions, as were Kayla and Lilly - although not as frequently - to the main characters. The dynamics with them all allowed me to enjoy the book more than I would have done if it was more focused on Isla and Lu.
The twists were okay. The 1st one I didn't expect, but the 2nd I was expecting a similar connection, so it didn't perhaps have the impact it would have done.
I was trying to figure out how best to rate this, and ultimately decided on 3/5, although in fairness it probably is closer to 2.5/5 but I felt there was enough to not drop it to 2/5 stars ⭐️
As always, others might find more to enjoy about the book. I'd say this isn't necessarily an overall bad story, but I just couldn't get into the vibe or story as much as I had wanted to.
October 10, 2022
I received an advanced reader copy of The Laws of Magic in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this opportunity.
The Laws of Magic started off slowly. The characters and their dynamics were developed thoroughly and in detail, with a particular focus on the romance between Isla and Lu. Isla’s apothecary is introduced as the perfect, cozy safe space for her coven, even when the first problems start showing up.
Moving forward, the pace changes drastically and there’s so much action in so many subplots that keeps the reader hooked, but sadly isn’t very well constructed. Isla’s past, Isla’s uncle’s views and Lu’s reasoning for taking her job as well as changing her mind are all glossed over and pushed to the back in favour of the fast-paced action plot.
In conclusion, I feel like the book had lots of potential but the execution deteriorated over the course of the plot.
The Laws of Magic started off slowly. The characters and their dynamics were developed thoroughly and in detail, with a particular focus on the romance between Isla and Lu. Isla’s apothecary is introduced as the perfect, cozy safe space for her coven, even when the first problems start showing up.
Moving forward, the pace changes drastically and there’s so much action in so many subplots that keeps the reader hooked, but sadly isn’t very well constructed. Isla’s past, Isla’s uncle’s views and Lu’s reasoning for taking her job as well as changing her mind are all glossed over and pushed to the back in favour of the fast-paced action plot.
In conclusion, I feel like the book had lots of potential but the execution deteriorated over the course of the plot.
October 13, 2022
2.5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books inc for this eArc in exchange for an honest review.
I love witchy books, and a witch doing good deeds from her apothecary was a cool concept! But I kind of wanted there to be a bit more - and a witchy apartment above a strip mall was .. not quite that.
Overall this book has flaws. A lot of potential, I enjoyed some elements of it, but I found it lacking the magic it needed.
The love story is a bit cliché, but was cute for the most part. The ending felt a bit rushed and I didn’t really like this book as much as I wanted too..
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books inc for this eArc in exchange for an honest review.
I love witchy books, and a witch doing good deeds from her apothecary was a cool concept! But I kind of wanted there to be a bit more - and a witchy apartment above a strip mall was .. not quite that.
Overall this book has flaws. A lot of potential, I enjoyed some elements of it, but I found it lacking the magic it needed.
The love story is a bit cliché, but was cute for the most part. The ending felt a bit rushed and I didn’t really like this book as much as I wanted too..
January 15, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
The Laws of Magic is a fun light fantasy sapphic romance novel between a guarded witch shopkeeper and the grumpy security guard that is stationed in her parking lot. I liked both MC’s, they were real and messy and their romance progressed naturally. It was fun to watch how awkward their interactions were when they both just desperately wanted to kiss and refused to acknowledge that fact at all. My two favorite characters were Isla’s two best friends, however. They were fun, loyal, supportive, and pushed her buttons in a way that kept me giggling. The romance was sweet and fluffy and I loved how they were both stubborn and constantly screwing up and desperately in love. The magic system was a little lacking in that it isn’t very involved, there isn’t much detail given or development that occurs. Some people have some magic powers and that’s about all the explanation you get. But also it doesn’t really need to go more in-depth than that for the plot so it didn’t bother me. Overall, this was a fun read, it had romance and magic and stakes that weren’t high enough to make me anxious but still high enough to keep my interest piqued as they figured out just how the hell to get out of the mess.
The Laws of Magic is a fun light fantasy sapphic romance novel between a guarded witch shopkeeper and the grumpy security guard that is stationed in her parking lot. I liked both MC’s, they were real and messy and their romance progressed naturally. It was fun to watch how awkward their interactions were when they both just desperately wanted to kiss and refused to acknowledge that fact at all. My two favorite characters were Isla’s two best friends, however. They were fun, loyal, supportive, and pushed her buttons in a way that kept me giggling. The romance was sweet and fluffy and I loved how they were both stubborn and constantly screwing up and desperately in love. The magic system was a little lacking in that it isn’t very involved, there isn’t much detail given or development that occurs. Some people have some magic powers and that’s about all the explanation you get. But also it doesn’t really need to go more in-depth than that for the plot so it didn’t bother me. Overall, this was a fun read, it had romance and magic and stakes that weren’t high enough to make me anxious but still high enough to keep my interest piqued as they figured out just how the hell to get out of the mess.
September 19, 2022
Isla is a witch who owns a successful magical Apothecary and Lu is at first glance a strip mall security officer. Lu and Isla definitely have some sort of tension going on but for a long while have nothing but small greetings and friendly smiles until things start going haywire.
This book was an okay read. A solid plot and original setting, but in my opinion, the writing just did not do it justice. I felt as though the writing did not reach the level of maturity the plot demanded. The use of Gen z abbreviation or slang such as "SMH" just felt very out of place with the levels of the plot. There was also a few grammatical errors and like two dialogue inconsistencies where characters already knew things when they had never been mentioned.
When it came to characters I definitely like how Isla was written, very human and considerate. Lu, on the other hand, we were given so much backstory and scenes yet were almost never in tune with her actual feelings except for a moment when she and Isla have a brief conflict at the beginning of the book. Lu lies to Isla about something big and I cannot remember any moment in which she shared remorse for that.
Side characters got no feelings from me except maybe Daria, but that doesn't matter because the guarded protective best friend flakes at the end of the book and instead of validating Isla's feelings about being lied to by Lu, she instead pushes Lu onto her- which I found quite the fast switch up since literally the chapter before she was threatening Lu about hurting Isla.
But yeah, this is kind of a miss for me probably the first miss from M Ullrich I've had. That being said check out "What the Heart Remembers Most" and "Life in Death" which are undoubtedly my favourite books by her that in my opinion are criminally underrated.
Thank you, NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.
This book was an okay read. A solid plot and original setting, but in my opinion, the writing just did not do it justice. I felt as though the writing did not reach the level of maturity the plot demanded. The use of Gen z abbreviation or slang such as "SMH" just felt very out of place with the levels of the plot. There was also a few grammatical errors and like two dialogue inconsistencies where characters already knew things when they had never been mentioned.
When it came to characters I definitely like how Isla was written, very human and considerate. Lu, on the other hand, we were given so much backstory and scenes yet were almost never in tune with her actual feelings except for a moment when she and Isla have a brief conflict at the beginning of the book. Lu lies to Isla about something big and I cannot remember any moment in which she shared remorse for that.
Side characters got no feelings from me except maybe Daria, but that doesn't matter because the guarded protective best friend flakes at the end of the book and instead of validating Isla's feelings about being lied to by Lu, she instead pushes Lu onto her- which I found quite the fast switch up since literally the chapter before she was threatening Lu about hurting Isla.
But yeah, this is kind of a miss for me probably the first miss from M Ullrich I've had. That being said check out "What the Heart Remembers Most" and "Life in Death" which are undoubtedly my favourite books by her that in my opinion are criminally underrated.
Thank you, NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.
November 15, 2022
First, thanks to Netgally for letting me read this in advance in Exchange of an honest opinion.
Well I have a lot of things to say and none of them are pleasant. First of all I picked this book because the sumary was really interesting, witches, girls love, a Little bit of mistery, it sounded like a good combination, however in practice it just wasn’t.
If I have to talk about the plot, I don’t even know what it was. At the beginning Lu is watching the mall, looking for something to happen and the point is nothing happens. She has this Kind of thing going on with Isla and with an excuse they ended up on a date, everything is awkard in the way you just don’t feel the chemic. And that’s it, almost in the middle of the book they tell you there is a danger coming and it got resolved in literally 2 pages. It was supposed to be the biggest threat to the town, Isla and the magic and it was resolved almost as if it was a joke. Isla said “don’t come back” and “ok, I leave” that was just it, but we were not even close to finish the book, aparently there was another threat wich didn’t even make sense, but yeah.
The team was captured in a super high CIA center and if you are asking, yes, they got out with the power of family and friendship, like, really? Finally, Lu and Isla end up together because of and old tale which was supposed to be romantic, but the book forgot completly that tale existed, it was mention at the beginning hoping for an amazing return, but it just felt forced, like the same story needed an excuse for this two woman to finish as a couple.
Literally no sense at all. This is my first book by this author and I don’t know if this is the style or it is just a thing of this book, anyway, this was disappointing, I don’t even know how I finish Reading it.
As I said before, good idea, bad in practice.
Well I have a lot of things to say and none of them are pleasant. First of all I picked this book because the sumary was really interesting, witches, girls love, a Little bit of mistery, it sounded like a good combination, however in practice it just wasn’t.
If I have to talk about the plot, I don’t even know what it was. At the beginning Lu is watching the mall, looking for something to happen and the point is nothing happens. She has this Kind of thing going on with Isla and with an excuse they ended up on a date, everything is awkard in the way you just don’t feel the chemic. And that’s it, almost in the middle of the book they tell you there is a danger coming and it got resolved in literally 2 pages. It was supposed to be the biggest threat to the town, Isla and the magic and it was resolved almost as if it was a joke. Isla said “don’t come back” and “ok, I leave” that was just it, but we were not even close to finish the book, aparently there was another threat wich didn’t even make sense, but yeah.
The team was captured in a super high CIA center and if you are asking, yes, they got out with the power of family and friendship, like, really? Finally, Lu and Isla end up together because of and old tale which was supposed to be romantic, but the book forgot completly that tale existed, it was mention at the beginning hoping for an amazing return, but it just felt forced, like the same story needed an excuse for this two woman to finish as a couple.
Literally no sense at all. This is my first book by this author and I don’t know if this is the style or it is just a thing of this book, anyway, this was disappointing, I don’t even know how I finish Reading it.
As I said before, good idea, bad in practice.
September 26, 2022
One and a half stars. I'm sorry to say that this was a DNF for me at about 45%. I don't like not finishing, and I really try to avoid it with ARCs. But after a several-day-streak of burning through books, I got to The Laws of Magic and lost interest in reading for a few days. I love M. Ullrich's work; there's one of hers that holds a very dear place in my heart. But her great writing couldn't save this.
The premise wasn't all bad. The problem for me was that the paranormal plotline took a backseat to the romance, but not in a way that had them co-existing: I suspect that part of the story doesn't really get underway until about the point where I stopped reading. Meanwhile, the romance had a 45% headstart. The misalignment means I can't see them ending cohesively.
I didn't care for the characters. Neither struck me as particularly lively, and I was content to let my eyes skim through what was happening instead of being drawn in enough that I could imagine it for myself. I set down the book when I realized that nothing either of them did was going to make me care about them or their relationship.
So I surrender. The Laws of Magic wasn't for me. I just hope that in stopping where I did instead of powering through, I can maintain my appreciation for the author and continue to enjoy her other works.
The premise wasn't all bad. The problem for me was that the paranormal plotline took a backseat to the romance, but not in a way that had them co-existing: I suspect that part of the story doesn't really get underway until about the point where I stopped reading. Meanwhile, the romance had a 45% headstart. The misalignment means I can't see them ending cohesively.
I didn't care for the characters. Neither struck me as particularly lively, and I was content to let my eyes skim through what was happening instead of being drawn in enough that I could imagine it for myself. I set down the book when I realized that nothing either of them did was going to make me care about them or their relationship.
So I surrender. The Laws of Magic wasn't for me. I just hope that in stopping where I did instead of powering through, I can maintain my appreciation for the author and continue to enjoy her other works.
September 14, 2022
The Laws of Magic is a surprisingly captivating read. I was drawn in by the beautiful cover and the promise of magic; it delivered so much more.
Isla Hoffman, a witch hiding in plain sight, must protect the town and people she loves from enemies who threaten their existence while also battling the ups and downs of falling in love. Along for the battle is Lu Cadman, security guard for the strip mall where Hoffman's Apothecary resides.
This is such a delightful read! I was 100 percent invested in these characters and their well being from the start. The plot is well paced and delivers a few shockers I didn't see coming. Also the banter between the characters throughout the whole book is A+. I did feel that the conflicts were resolved a little too easily, but I didn't mind because I just enjoyed every minute of being in this world.
I'd actually love to read more stories set in this world, specifically books for Daria and Christopher.
Despite taking place in summer, this is perfect for getting into the fall/halloween spirit. The supernatural community that comes together in Bender, Massachusetts is a lovely place to spend a day of reading.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Isla Hoffman, a witch hiding in plain sight, must protect the town and people she loves from enemies who threaten their existence while also battling the ups and downs of falling in love. Along for the battle is Lu Cadman, security guard for the strip mall where Hoffman's Apothecary resides.
This is such a delightful read! I was 100 percent invested in these characters and their well being from the start. The plot is well paced and delivers a few shockers I didn't see coming. Also the banter between the characters throughout the whole book is A+. I did feel that the conflicts were resolved a little too easily, but I didn't mind because I just enjoyed every minute of being in this world.
I'd actually love to read more stories set in this world, specifically books for Daria and Christopher.
Despite taking place in summer, this is perfect for getting into the fall/halloween spirit. The supernatural community that comes together in Bender, Massachusetts is a lovely place to spend a day of reading.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2022
I really struggled with this one.
The cover caught my eye, and based on the synopsis, I thought I was signing up for a fun small-town romance with paranormal elements.
Parts of the book fulfill that promise, especially toward the beginning when Isla and Lu are just beginning their flirtation. But unfortunately there is quite a lot of additional plot that is not put together well. There a couple of Big Baddies who show up and dump exposition that the reader doesn’t have any reason to care about. The magical worldbuilding is a bit skimpy but then many major plot points are based on that same underdeveloped worldbuilding. There are a few twists that come off more abrupt and startling than intriguing and exciting. But the part I found roughest is that none of the characters have compelling chemistry with one another—not the lovers, not the friends, not the enemies. Great chemistry can carry a weak plot, but weak chemistry and a weak plot makes for a tough read.
There is clearly a lot of care and love put into this book, but as it is, The Laws of Magic left me cold.
—
Note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The cover caught my eye, and based on the synopsis, I thought I was signing up for a fun small-town romance with paranormal elements.
Parts of the book fulfill that promise, especially toward the beginning when Isla and Lu are just beginning their flirtation. But unfortunately there is quite a lot of additional plot that is not put together well. There a couple of Big Baddies who show up and dump exposition that the reader doesn’t have any reason to care about. The magical worldbuilding is a bit skimpy but then many major plot points are based on that same underdeveloped worldbuilding. There are a few twists that come off more abrupt and startling than intriguing and exciting. But the part I found roughest is that none of the characters have compelling chemistry with one another—not the lovers, not the friends, not the enemies. Great chemistry can carry a weak plot, but weak chemistry and a weak plot makes for a tough read.
There is clearly a lot of care and love put into this book, but as it is, The Laws of Magic left me cold.
—
Note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2022
Thank you NetGalley for sharing an digital ARC with me in exchange for an honest review.
The Laws of Magic by M. Ullrich revolves around Isla Hoffman, a witch that found herself finally as a healer for the residents of Bender, Massachusetts and Lu Cadman, who works as a security for a sleepy strip mall. Their paths intervene and an adventure begins.
The story itself starts very slow to build up the characters and the dynamics between them. The author gives a lot of details about the romance between Isla and Lu, which starts as a simple nice gesture of bringin the other one hot and steamy tea. It was kind of hard to get into the story with such a slow pace, but when you stick through it the pace changes dramatically. There were so much going on at the same time to hook the reader to the story, but I am not quite sure how good everything was planned out. In th end it was an interesting read, but I wouldn't pick up a sequel, because I couldn't quite connect with the characters and the story itself like I wanted to.
The Laws of Magic by M. Ullrich revolves around Isla Hoffman, a witch that found herself finally as a healer for the residents of Bender, Massachusetts and Lu Cadman, who works as a security for a sleepy strip mall. Their paths intervene and an adventure begins.
The story itself starts very slow to build up the characters and the dynamics between them. The author gives a lot of details about the romance between Isla and Lu, which starts as a simple nice gesture of bringin the other one hot and steamy tea. It was kind of hard to get into the story with such a slow pace, but when you stick through it the pace changes dramatically. There were so much going on at the same time to hook the reader to the story, but I am not quite sure how good everything was planned out. In th end it was an interesting read, but I wouldn't pick up a sequel, because I couldn't quite connect with the characters and the story itself like I wanted to.
September 18, 2022
TL;DR: Not an entirely unpleasant fantasy romance, but definitely an insubstantial one with some real questionable choices
(eARC provided by Netgalley)
The Laws of Magic was an easy read, but I can't say it was a satisfying one. Rather than blending together urban fantasy and romance, it more felt like you couldn't be sure what genre you were in from scene to scene (which flew past, both strength and weakness). And unfortunately I really didn't like the main couple's dynamic, either on an interpersonal level or with regard to the broader narrative. With some actively dubious elements thrown in (the exoticism of the dark skinned succubus, some strangeness in the circumstances of the sex scene, and some real mixed messaging regarding assimilation), I simply cannot recommend this, even if, for me, it was a bit of a palate cleanser from heavier fare.
Rating breakdown
2.5 stars rounded down to 2
2/10 in personal rating system
(eARC provided by Netgalley)
The Laws of Magic was an easy read, but I can't say it was a satisfying one. Rather than blending together urban fantasy and romance, it more felt like you couldn't be sure what genre you were in from scene to scene (which flew past, both strength and weakness). And unfortunately I really didn't like the main couple's dynamic, either on an interpersonal level or with regard to the broader narrative. With some actively dubious elements thrown in (the exoticism of the dark skinned succubus, some strangeness in the circumstances of the sex scene, and some real mixed messaging regarding assimilation), I simply cannot recommend this, even if, for me, it was a bit of a palate cleanser from heavier fare.
Rating breakdown
2.5 stars rounded down to 2
2/10 in personal rating system
November 13, 2022
I read some of the reviews on this and I was worried that I wouldn’t enjoy it. I don’t typically read paranormal/fantasy books but I really like Ullrich’s other books so I definitely wanted to check this one out. I just have to say that I actually LOVED this. I feel like folks who read a lot of fantasy/paranormal stories might feel like we didn’t get enough of a peek into “the magic” aspect of the story, but I think it was a great balance! I loved the twists and turns the story took and I was totally entertained the whole time I was reading. I really liked that it has fantasy elements mixed into the “real world”, just like it would be if inhumans actually existed among us. I didn’t think the “big secret” that Lu had was a dealbreaker and overall I loved her character and her nobility and loyalty. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who like me, doesn’t dabble in paranormal or fantasy as often because this was a great balance with a fun gang of characters.
September 11, 2022
Thank you to M. Ullrich, Bold Strokes Inc, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. The Laws of Magic comes out October 11, 2022.
The Laws of Magic is a small town, cozy romantic fantasy novel. Isle is a powerful witch who owns a small town apothecary shop that serves humans and inhumans. Lu is a security guard who monitors the strip mall that Isle’s shop is in. When suspicious things keep helping to the shop and it’s people, the two must get past reveled secrets and their respective past and bind together to beat the evil force. I though this book was fun, romantic and cozy. I loved the twists and turns their relation ship took and the twists that happened in the story. I also really liked all the side characters, and Lu’s furry friend Samuel. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick and easy fantasy book that will put you in the spooky season mood.
The Laws of Magic is a small town, cozy romantic fantasy novel. Isle is a powerful witch who owns a small town apothecary shop that serves humans and inhumans. Lu is a security guard who monitors the strip mall that Isle’s shop is in. When suspicious things keep helping to the shop and it’s people, the two must get past reveled secrets and their respective past and bind together to beat the evil force. I though this book was fun, romantic and cozy. I loved the twists and turns their relation ship took and the twists that happened in the story. I also really liked all the side characters, and Lu’s furry friend Samuel. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick and easy fantasy book that will put you in the spooky season mood.
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