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What Became of Magic
From Paige Crutcher, the author of The Orphan Witch and The Lost Witch , comes a new tale about a witch, a book of magic, and a beguiling and powerful creature whom she must free, even if it puts her life and soul at stake.
Aline Weir, a witch who can talk to ghosts, has kept her talents hidden ever since a disastrous middle school slumber party, choosing to be invisible and use her powers in secret to help lost souls reunite with the keys to send them home. All the while, she finds solace in a bookstore and the three mysterious women who run it… until Aline discovers the book of Mischief, and her powers are enhanced.
Living a solitary life until the age of thirty, Aline’s life takes an unexpected turn when the wrong (or perhaps right) person witnesses her using her powers and she is invited to a town that doesn’t exist on any map. Arriving in Matchstick, Aline learns of a lost magic that desperately needs to be found and only her unique powers can do it. But what she’s not told is that Magic is a person. One that is dangerous and seductive and has been waiting for a witch with a power like hers for centuries.
Aline Weir, a witch who can talk to ghosts, has kept her talents hidden ever since a disastrous middle school slumber party, choosing to be invisible and use her powers in secret to help lost souls reunite with the keys to send them home. All the while, she finds solace in a bookstore and the three mysterious women who run it… until Aline discovers the book of Mischief, and her powers are enhanced.
Living a solitary life until the age of thirty, Aline’s life takes an unexpected turn when the wrong (or perhaps right) person witnesses her using her powers and she is invited to a town that doesn’t exist on any map. Arriving in Matchstick, Aline learns of a lost magic that desperately needs to be found and only her unique powers can do it. But what she’s not told is that Magic is a person. One that is dangerous and seductive and has been waiting for a witch with a power like hers for centuries.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2023
84 people are currently reading
13824 people want to read
About the author
Paige Crutcher
7 books386 followersPaige Crutcher is the author of THE ORPHAN WITCH. She is a former journalist, and her work appears in multiple anthologies and online publications. She is an artist and yogi, and when not writing, she prefers to spend her time trekking through the forest with her children, hunting for portals to new worlds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 363 reviews
April 29, 2025
I think I enjoyed this book a little less than "The Lost Witch". The plot line was attention-grabbing and intriguing, and Aline Weir was a very likable character with whom I could easily resonate. The slow-burn romance blended in with the magical town theme quite fascinatingly, but I had a hard time getting into the story because most of the characters talked in riddles. I had to reread some parts over and over to gather the puzzle pieces that didn't make sense to me.
Maybe I didn't consume my daily caffeine intake, which could have helped me clear my mind to focus on the entire execution. I think I loved the journey of Aline Weir to find her place on earth by embracing her own powers, fulfilling her own destiny, and exploring her own potential more than the mystery she tries to solve in "Matchstick".
The story starts with the introduction of Aline at a young age who discovers she has the ability to talk with ghosts. Her gift turned into a curse and a source for the school bullies to outcast her. Even her own selfish parents acted like she didn't exist.
But luckily, she meets a young girl/ghost called Dragon, who helps her improve her skills by moving back and forth between different realms, finding the keys for ghosts to open the doors into different portals.
She also meets three eccentric sisters who give her a job in a bookstore where she feels more comfortable with herself, finding the people who love her back unconditionally even though they know her ugliest secret.
And one day, both Dragon and the three sisters won't return. Aline is 30 years old, feeling all alone and rejected after being abandoned by her only friends. The next day, she greets a mysterious visitor who requests her help, which also serves as a solution to finding her missing friends. She finds herself on a journey to the town resembling a view like a fairytale called Matchstick to meet a man she dreams of for years called Magic. But what if that man in her dreams is a more dangerous entity than she could ever imagine? What if by setting himself free, he may claim the power to gift it to the Supreme Witch? What if Aline and Magic's teaming up threatens the entire balance of the universe?
Overall, the book started really interestingly, but in the middle, I got a little lost in understanding the entire magical system. Thankfully, in the last third, the pace picked up, and the conclusion was satisfying. I'm rounding up 3.5 stars to 4 witchery, paranormal stars.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
Maybe I didn't consume my daily caffeine intake, which could have helped me clear my mind to focus on the entire execution. I think I loved the journey of Aline Weir to find her place on earth by embracing her own powers, fulfilling her own destiny, and exploring her own potential more than the mystery she tries to solve in "Matchstick".
The story starts with the introduction of Aline at a young age who discovers she has the ability to talk with ghosts. Her gift turned into a curse and a source for the school bullies to outcast her. Even her own selfish parents acted like she didn't exist.
But luckily, she meets a young girl/ghost called Dragon, who helps her improve her skills by moving back and forth between different realms, finding the keys for ghosts to open the doors into different portals.
She also meets three eccentric sisters who give her a job in a bookstore where she feels more comfortable with herself, finding the people who love her back unconditionally even though they know her ugliest secret.
And one day, both Dragon and the three sisters won't return. Aline is 30 years old, feeling all alone and rejected after being abandoned by her only friends. The next day, she greets a mysterious visitor who requests her help, which also serves as a solution to finding her missing friends. She finds herself on a journey to the town resembling a view like a fairytale called Matchstick to meet a man she dreams of for years called Magic. But what if that man in her dreams is a more dangerous entity than she could ever imagine? What if by setting himself free, he may claim the power to gift it to the Supreme Witch? What if Aline and Magic's teaming up threatens the entire balance of the universe?
Overall, the book started really interestingly, but in the middle, I got a little lost in understanding the entire magical system. Thankfully, in the last third, the pace picked up, and the conclusion was satisfying. I'm rounding up 3.5 stars to 4 witchery, paranormal stars.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
August 17, 2023
Right after finishing that very last page of What Became of Magic I knew reviewing this books won't be easy.
This book was like a weird dream/trip that was confusing and understandable at the same time, so my thoughts are all over the place.
It has been 5 days after I read this novel and I still can't articulate how I feel about it.
This book was like a weird dream/trip that was confusing and understandable at the same time, so my thoughts are all over the place.
It has been 5 days after I read this novel and I still can't articulate how I feel about it.
September 5, 2023
What Became of Magic
by Paige Crutcher
Fantasy Magical Realism Cozy
Ages 16+
NetGalley ARC
Publication Date: September 26, 2023
St. Martin's Press
After a middle school slumber party gone wrong, Aline Weir has kept her gift of being able to talk to ghosts a secret, fearing what the kids at school would say or do to her if they found out. But she does have a friend, Dragon, a ghost girl who helps Aline find lost souls' keys so they can go home, and she has a safe place, a bookstore, and the three women who own it, welcome her. And on those shelves, Aline finds a book called Mischief, and things begin to change. At the age of thirty Aline finds herself on a quest to find and save magic.
While this book is listed for adults, it's not written that way. Every character, even though they are or have been wandering for many, many years, they act and talk like fourteen-year-olds. Even the plot felt like the story was taking place in on middle school playground. There was a lot of going here and going there, but I never felt as if they went anywhere. I was bored with this story and had to make myself read it.
The romance in this story was forced, the characters were 'destined' to be together, and it was acted out like a middle school crush.
But the idea of this story was interesting; a witch who can talk to ghosts and help them move along, and save magic, great premise, but the execution was flat. Even with the riddles and searching for answers, there wasn't enough action or relatability to keep my interest or care what the characters were doing and I found myself skimming the book until something caught my attention, but those things never kept it.
1 Stars
by Paige Crutcher
Fantasy Magical Realism Cozy
Ages 16+
NetGalley ARC
Publication Date: September 26, 2023
St. Martin's Press
After a middle school slumber party gone wrong, Aline Weir has kept her gift of being able to talk to ghosts a secret, fearing what the kids at school would say or do to her if they found out. But she does have a friend, Dragon, a ghost girl who helps Aline find lost souls' keys so they can go home, and she has a safe place, a bookstore, and the three women who own it, welcome her. And on those shelves, Aline finds a book called Mischief, and things begin to change. At the age of thirty Aline finds herself on a quest to find and save magic.
While this book is listed for adults, it's not written that way. Every character, even though they are or have been wandering for many, many years, they act and talk like fourteen-year-olds. Even the plot felt like the story was taking place in on middle school playground. There was a lot of going here and going there, but I never felt as if they went anywhere. I was bored with this story and had to make myself read it.
The romance in this story was forced, the characters were 'destined' to be together, and it was acted out like a middle school crush.
But the idea of this story was interesting; a witch who can talk to ghosts and help them move along, and save magic, great premise, but the execution was flat. Even with the riddles and searching for answers, there wasn't enough action or relatability to keep my interest or care what the characters were doing and I found myself skimming the book until something caught my attention, but those things never kept it.
1 Stars
May 28, 2023
Not for me. Most of this was riddles and wandering. 2.5 Starts rolled to 3
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It’s not often that I find a book I don’t care for, thankfully. But every once in a while, you do run across stories that you just cannot get into the plot.
What Became of Magic by Crutcher is inventive and definitely original. To me, it read more like a children’s story. There are parts that reminded me of the P.D. Eastman book, “Are You My Mother?”, and I could not shake that feeling as the characters wandered through this mystical world looking for people. It also reminds me of a video game where people you run into have a clue and you’re trying to figure out if you follow them or not.
That’s not to say the author didn’t knock herself out and develop a story that is perfect for those that enjoy fantasy paranormal-type details. But it was not one that I found engaging or enjoyable, personally.
Crutcher loaded this book with detail and imagery that puts you inside the story—characters that are lovable and hate-able, and some that are questionable.
If you love mystical lands and mystical people, check this one out! As for me, sorry, I am out.
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/what-became-...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It’s not often that I find a book I don’t care for, thankfully. But every once in a while, you do run across stories that you just cannot get into the plot.
What Became of Magic by Crutcher is inventive and definitely original. To me, it read more like a children’s story. There are parts that reminded me of the P.D. Eastman book, “Are You My Mother?”, and I could not shake that feeling as the characters wandered through this mystical world looking for people. It also reminds me of a video game where people you run into have a clue and you’re trying to figure out if you follow them or not.
That’s not to say the author didn’t knock herself out and develop a story that is perfect for those that enjoy fantasy paranormal-type details. But it was not one that I found engaging or enjoyable, personally.
Crutcher loaded this book with detail and imagery that puts you inside the story—characters that are lovable and hate-able, and some that are questionable.
If you love mystical lands and mystical people, check this one out! As for me, sorry, I am out.
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/what-became-...
September 26, 2023
My new fav witchy paranormal romance from Paige Crutcher is full of found family and features Aline, a lonely, outcast witch who can see ghosts and has the unique ability to cross ley lines.
Perfect for fans of Erin Sterling or Lana Harper. This was also great on audio narrated by Caitlin Kelly and had fantastic Anne of Green Gables references, a spunky ghost, a curse and a romance worth cheering for!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy as well as a beautiful gifted physical copy in exchange for my honest review! This was definitely a standout #SpookySeason read!
Perfect for fans of Erin Sterling or Lana Harper. This was also great on audio narrated by Caitlin Kelly and had fantastic Anne of Green Gables references, a spunky ghost, a curse and a romance worth cheering for!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy as well as a beautiful gifted physical copy in exchange for my honest review! This was definitely a standout #SpookySeason read!
August 15, 2023
A whimsical tale of original magic, abuse of power, a threat to the world as we know it, and an attempt to set things right. The story is centered around Aline Weir, a lonely girl who has more power than she realizes.
Description:
Aline Weir, a witch who can talk to ghosts, has kept her talents hidden ever since a disastrous middle school slumber party, choosing to be invisible and use her powers in secret to help lost souls reunite with the keys to send them home. All the while, she finds solace in a bookstore and the three mysterious women who run it… until Aline discovers the book of Mischief, and her powers are enhanced.
Living a solitary life until the age of thirty, Aline’s life takes an unexpected turn when the wrong (or perhaps right) person witnesses her using her powers and she is invited to a town that doesn’t exist on any map. Arriving in Matchstick, Aline learns of a lost magic that desperately needs to be found and only her unique powers can do it. But what she’s not told is that Magic is a person. One that is dangerous and seductive and has been waiting for a witch with a power like hers for centuries.
My Thoughts:
I found I liked Aline as a character and I enjoyed the plot. The concept of the book was different than any others I've read, and I usually like something different rather than the same trope. I also enjoyed the character Dragon and her mysterious persona. Actually all the characters were interesting. The pace moved fast enough to keep my attention. I've read several of Paige Crutcher's books and have enjoyed them all. This was not my favorite, but still a good story. It seemed somewhat like a children's story. Overall a fun and whimsical read and I think anyone who likes reading about magic and witches would enjoy it.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on September 26, 2023.
Description:
Aline Weir, a witch who can talk to ghosts, has kept her talents hidden ever since a disastrous middle school slumber party, choosing to be invisible and use her powers in secret to help lost souls reunite with the keys to send them home. All the while, she finds solace in a bookstore and the three mysterious women who run it… until Aline discovers the book of Mischief, and her powers are enhanced.
Living a solitary life until the age of thirty, Aline’s life takes an unexpected turn when the wrong (or perhaps right) person witnesses her using her powers and she is invited to a town that doesn’t exist on any map. Arriving in Matchstick, Aline learns of a lost magic that desperately needs to be found and only her unique powers can do it. But what she’s not told is that Magic is a person. One that is dangerous and seductive and has been waiting for a witch with a power like hers for centuries.
My Thoughts:
I found I liked Aline as a character and I enjoyed the plot. The concept of the book was different than any others I've read, and I usually like something different rather than the same trope. I also enjoyed the character Dragon and her mysterious persona. Actually all the characters were interesting. The pace moved fast enough to keep my attention. I've read several of Paige Crutcher's books and have enjoyed them all. This was not my favorite, but still a good story. It seemed somewhat like a children's story. Overall a fun and whimsical read and I think anyone who likes reading about magic and witches would enjoy it.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on September 26, 2023.
October 9, 2023
What Became of Magic is a fantasy book about witches, magic, and a mystical place where everything comes together.
The book has an interesting new world that it introduces. From the magic system, to the magical creatures, everything was interesting to discover and read.
In addition, the start of the story was solid, with the main character being endearing and tragic at the same time.
However, the book started focusing and relaying on the destined, written-in-the-stars love. Surely, this is a me thing, as I don't enjoy that kind of love stories, especially since it felt like instant love, as they didn't really have any on-page previous moments together. Thus, the pace of the love story was all over the place, and being that into each other from the start didn't make sense to me. Also, the story focuses too much on the main couple's dynamics and their love to resolve almost anything.
Moreover, the progress of the story was not as enjoyable, with most of the characters talking in riddles, and the mystery solving resembling a video game rather than an epic story.
Nevertheless, the writing was enjoyable and had many whimsical moments.
The book has an interesting new world that it introduces. From the magic system, to the magical creatures, everything was interesting to discover and read.
In addition, the start of the story was solid, with the main character being endearing and tragic at the same time.
However, the book started focusing and relaying on the destined, written-in-the-stars love. Surely, this is a me thing, as I don't enjoy that kind of love stories, especially since it felt like instant love, as they didn't really have any on-page previous moments together. Thus, the pace of the love story was all over the place, and being that into each other from the start didn't make sense to me. Also, the story focuses too much on the main couple's dynamics and their love to resolve almost anything.
Moreover, the progress of the story was not as enjoyable, with most of the characters talking in riddles, and the mystery solving resembling a video game rather than an epic story.
Nevertheless, the writing was enjoyable and had many whimsical moments.
August 15, 2023
Get ready to be transported to the whimsical town of Matchstick, where nothing is what it seems.
The town of Matchstick and its quirky characters are quite intriguing, but the whole story is one big riddle that unravels slowly as you read. I found myself equal parts confused and captivated.
"You're not making any sense."
"We are. You simply don't understand yet."
What Became of Magic starts out with Aline in middle school and quickly progresses through her adolescent years as she grows her magic. I was drawn into the story initially very quickly, but with all the characters talking in riddles it became more of a chore to read. Like Aline, I'm not fond of riddles and the characters of Matchstick have them in spades!
The ending was satisfying, but a bit flat. With so much happening in the book, I was hoping for more from it.
All in all, a very unique story!
Read if you love...
Found family
Witches
Magical bookshops
Slow-burn romance
Magical worlds hidden in the real world
Thank you St Martin's Press for the ARC to read and honestly review.
The town of Matchstick and its quirky characters are quite intriguing, but the whole story is one big riddle that unravels slowly as you read. I found myself equal parts confused and captivated.
"You're not making any sense."
"We are. You simply don't understand yet."
What Became of Magic starts out with Aline in middle school and quickly progresses through her adolescent years as she grows her magic. I was drawn into the story initially very quickly, but with all the characters talking in riddles it became more of a chore to read. Like Aline, I'm not fond of riddles and the characters of Matchstick have them in spades!
The ending was satisfying, but a bit flat. With so much happening in the book, I was hoping for more from it.
All in all, a very unique story!
Read if you love...
Found family
Witches
Magical bookshops
Slow-burn romance
Magical worlds hidden in the real world
Thank you St Martin's Press for the ARC to read and honestly review.
August 31, 2023
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.
The cover art caught my eye, and I"m so glad it did.
We meet our FMC Aline, whom is a witch that can talk to ghosts. Pretty cool, right? However, she keeps her talent hidden. She chooses to help souls find the final keys to send them off to their final resting place in private.
Aline loves the local bookstore and the mysterious three women who run it. It's there she finds a particular book that enhances her powers.
From there, someone witnesses her using her magic, and she's asked to assist in finding a lost magic that only HER powers can help with. But there's a major secret she wasn't aware of. Magic is a person.... a dangerous one at that.
Intresting, right?
The author did an amazing job at th worldbuilding here. The story flowed along at a great pace as well. I'd definitely read other books by Paige Crutcher.
The cover art caught my eye, and I"m so glad it did.
We meet our FMC Aline, whom is a witch that can talk to ghosts. Pretty cool, right? However, she keeps her talent hidden. She chooses to help souls find the final keys to send them off to their final resting place in private.
Aline loves the local bookstore and the mysterious three women who run it. It's there she finds a particular book that enhances her powers.
From there, someone witnesses her using her magic, and she's asked to assist in finding a lost magic that only HER powers can help with. But there's a major secret she wasn't aware of. Magic is a person.... a dangerous one at that.
Intresting, right?
The author did an amazing job at th worldbuilding here. The story flowed along at a great pace as well. I'd definitely read other books by Paige Crutcher.
March 30, 2023
✨ Magical!✨
Wow!! “What Became of Magic” is adventurous, magical, chaotic, stress inducing, romantic and wonderful! One of the most unique stories I’ve ever read!
The story follows Aline who from the time she was a child has always felt like an outsider. Her world is turned upside down when she meets an otherworldly spirit named Dragon, learns that she has a responsibility to help lost souls and is taken under the wing of three eccentric bookstore owners. Over the years she thought her life couldn’t get any more complicated - that is until she sets off on a quest to find a town that doesn’t exist, save her friends and find the man she’s only known in a storybook.
Super fun and cozy read that you can really get lost in! Pick up “What Became of Magic” by Paige Crutcher 9.26.2023!
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Wow!! “What Became of Magic” is adventurous, magical, chaotic, stress inducing, romantic and wonderful! One of the most unique stories I’ve ever read!
The story follows Aline who from the time she was a child has always felt like an outsider. Her world is turned upside down when she meets an otherworldly spirit named Dragon, learns that she has a responsibility to help lost souls and is taken under the wing of three eccentric bookstore owners. Over the years she thought her life couldn’t get any more complicated - that is until she sets off on a quest to find a town that doesn’t exist, save her friends and find the man she’s only known in a storybook.
Super fun and cozy read that you can really get lost in! Pick up “What Became of Magic” by Paige Crutcher 9.26.2023!
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
September 8, 2023
Aline is a witch who can talk to ghosts, has kept it a secret since a slumber party when she was in middle school, and chooses to be invisible while she uses her powers to help lost souls reunite with the keys to send them home. Finding solace in a bookstore and three women who run it, she discovers the book of Mischief, and her powers are enhanced.
I received What Became of Magic as an audiobook ARC and I was able to start and finish it in one sitting. The narrator did a fantastic job, bringing this story to life and held my attention. It's whimsical and definitely different from any witchy book I've read before. I had a hard time star rating this one because there were elements I really loved, and others that didn't quite work for me. This is my first Paige Crutcher book, and I can see myself reading more books by this author in the future. If you're looking for a witchy book that isn't like any other, consider giving this one a try! its out 9/26/23.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC and giving me the chance to listen and review it honestly.
Happy reading!
I received What Became of Magic as an audiobook ARC and I was able to start and finish it in one sitting. The narrator did a fantastic job, bringing this story to life and held my attention. It's whimsical and definitely different from any witchy book I've read before. I had a hard time star rating this one because there were elements I really loved, and others that didn't quite work for me. This is my first Paige Crutcher book, and I can see myself reading more books by this author in the future. If you're looking for a witchy book that isn't like any other, consider giving this one a try! its out 9/26/23.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC and giving me the chance to listen and review it honestly.
Happy reading!
October 13, 2025
What Became of Magic by Paige Crutcher is a fantasy novel about a woman who can see and talk to ghosts, but discovers she is so much more.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher St. Martin's Press and the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. So sorry for the long delay in reviewing.
I admit to being drawn to the book because of the blurb, and because I have read another book by this author which was good, if not great. Simply, I enjoy fantasy novels about witches and magic, as they are generally "light" reads. This didn't disappoint in that regard.
However, my anticipation may have been a little too much. I struggled getting into this book, and staying interested. I had to keep re-reading sections. Never a good thing. Unfortunately, the story didn't flow very well. It seemed to jump all over the place.
That being said, the overall plot was really good, as were the characters. I liked Aline, and absolutely loved Dragon. Other characters were really interesting as well.
Overall, this book was good, but could have been much better. I also think this one should have been classified as YA instead of adult.
Anyway, until next time....
For a more thorough review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis of the book, and its author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
September 12, 2023
The beginning of the book really hooked me with Aline leading a lonesome life based on her being "difference" from everyone else. My heart went out to her at the solitary existence she led for years, but as she comes into her powers, she proves to be an extraordinary person. For much of the book, I felt as lost as Aline, which could be the author's intention to keep you steadily identifying with her protagonist. The povs flip in interesting ways that I found very unexpectedly, but each one adds unique insight to the story as a whole. Puzzle pieces fall together beautifully towards the end of the book. I would have preferred a certain famous literary device not be employed to "fix" anything, BUT the way that it is used works believably for the world created here.
Do add this and her previous two witchy books to your fall reading, if you can squeeze them in. They all require a little stretch of the magic imagination, but they are so worth it. Also, I advise other readers to check out the acknowledgements section at the end of this book. The last few paragraphs caused me to tear up, and I always love a message to readers.
Thanks to St. Martin's Griffin and Netgalley for a chance to read an early copy of this book!
Do add this and her previous two witchy books to your fall reading, if you can squeeze them in. They all require a little stretch of the magic imagination, but they are so worth it. Also, I advise other readers to check out the acknowledgements section at the end of this book. The last few paragraphs caused me to tear up, and I always love a message to readers.
Thanks to St. Martin's Griffin and Netgalley for a chance to read an early copy of this book!
March 26, 2023
This book was not what I expected but was entertaining. I liked the premise of the story, but I felt like it never fulfilled the promise that was there. I wanted something that was more emotional. Overall,What Became of Magic is a cozy and entertaining magical story.
A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press & Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press & Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2023
First and foremost, thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for giving me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
WOW. The author and I have not crossed paths before; I have not had a chance to read any of her work. That being said, I am so thankful that I was given the chance to read this book. When I tell you that this book had me feeling all the things: I felt sadness, I felt confusion, I felt enamored, I felt immersed in this new world…I felt like I wanted more. Paige has such an artistic way of describing the world that she created on the pages that I couldn’t help but feel like I was right there alongside each character. I literally told my husband that it gave me serious Alice in Wonderland vibes and I was STOKED! Simply. Amazing.
With all of the positive things I could say about this book, there were a few things I would change which would give it 5 stars instead of the 4 that I currently have given it. The first reason was that the confusion level I had at times was real. Most of the characters spoke in puns - which all work out at the end - but I had to re-read sections to try to make heads or tails of what was happening. Additionally, there were times when you were reading from another character’s POV with no warning. It wasn’t super hard to deal with after the first couple times, but it threw me a bit the first time it happened. Another reason is that because it felt like the book had so much happening all the time the ending felt almost anti-climatic. I wanted more of a resolution and/or more of an epilogue.
I would recommend this book to certain friends of mine; not because I don’t think it’s a great read, but because I think you need to be in the right mindset to tackle it. All in all, I definitely plan to re-read this book in the future!
WOW. The author and I have not crossed paths before; I have not had a chance to read any of her work. That being said, I am so thankful that I was given the chance to read this book. When I tell you that this book had me feeling all the things: I felt sadness, I felt confusion, I felt enamored, I felt immersed in this new world…I felt like I wanted more. Paige has such an artistic way of describing the world that she created on the pages that I couldn’t help but feel like I was right there alongside each character. I literally told my husband that it gave me serious Alice in Wonderland vibes and I was STOKED! Simply. Amazing.
With all of the positive things I could say about this book, there were a few things I would change which would give it 5 stars instead of the 4 that I currently have given it. The first reason was that the confusion level I had at times was real. Most of the characters spoke in puns - which all work out at the end - but I had to re-read sections to try to make heads or tails of what was happening. Additionally, there were times when you were reading from another character’s POV with no warning. It wasn’t super hard to deal with after the first couple times, but it threw me a bit the first time it happened. Another reason is that because it felt like the book had so much happening all the time the ending felt almost anti-climatic. I wanted more of a resolution and/or more of an epilogue.
I would recommend this book to certain friends of mine; not because I don’t think it’s a great read, but because I think you need to be in the right mindset to tackle it. All in all, I definitely plan to re-read this book in the future!
May 31, 2023
WHAT BECAME OF MAGIC is a story of ley lines and magic, found family, a powerful coven, and the many ways we love one another. It is about Aline Weir, and how she uses her powers as a witch to reunite misplaced souls with the keys they need to send them home, and what happens when she discovers a book of mischief that eventually leads her to a town that time has forgotten.
I hope WHAT BECAME OF MAGIC brings you a smile, makes you laugh, and provides a soft landing if you need to escape for a while. If you feel lost, or are going through a loss, I hope this novel feels like a hug, and sends a little bit of magic your way.
<3
I hope WHAT BECAME OF MAGIC brings you a smile, makes you laugh, and provides a soft landing if you need to escape for a while. If you feel lost, or are going through a loss, I hope this novel feels like a hug, and sends a little bit of magic your way.
<3
November 19, 2023
What Became of Magic
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Paige Crutcher
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Aline Weir, a witch who can talk to ghosts, has kept her talents hidden ever since a disastrous middle school slumber party, choosing to be invisible and use her powers in secret to help lost souls reunite with the keys to send them home. All the while, she finds solace in a bookstore and the three mysterious women who run it… until Aline discovers the book of Mischief, and her powers are enhanced.
Living a solitary life until the age of thirty, Aline’s life takes an unexpected turn when the wrong (or perhaps right) person witnesses her using her powers and she is invited to a town that doesn’t exist on any map. Arriving in Matchstick, Aline learns of a lost magic that desperately needs to be found and only her unique powers can do it. But what she’s not told is that Magic is a person. One that is dangerous and seductive and has been waiting for a witch with a power like hers for centuries.
My Thoughts: I enjoyed the previous book, The Lost Witch, a little better than this one. I really struggled with the layout of the story as it appears that most of the characters talked in riddles. However, I loved the romance blended with the magical theme. While I am not a huge fantasy reader, I do love books revolving around magic and witches. Aline feels like an outcast, as she has the special ability to talk to ghosts, even her own parents made her feel like an outcast. It is not until in adulthood, she meets these eccentric sisters and works in their bookstore, she really comes into her own. Then all of the sudden, she is abandoned by both her ghost friend and the sisters.
The book started off great and grabbed my attention. However, towards the middle, the world switching and magical system became a little confusing. It picks back up towards the last third and finished strong. I loved the ending. The author does a great job at detailing the worlds and building this imagery that really pulls you into the story, immersing you into the story. The characters, while unreliable narrators, were relatable and likable. It was very whimsical, creative, and intriguing. If you love Lana Harper, you should pick this up. I did enjoy the story and would recommend to other readers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Paige Crutcher
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Aline Weir, a witch who can talk to ghosts, has kept her talents hidden ever since a disastrous middle school slumber party, choosing to be invisible and use her powers in secret to help lost souls reunite with the keys to send them home. All the while, she finds solace in a bookstore and the three mysterious women who run it… until Aline discovers the book of Mischief, and her powers are enhanced.
Living a solitary life until the age of thirty, Aline’s life takes an unexpected turn when the wrong (or perhaps right) person witnesses her using her powers and she is invited to a town that doesn’t exist on any map. Arriving in Matchstick, Aline learns of a lost magic that desperately needs to be found and only her unique powers can do it. But what she’s not told is that Magic is a person. One that is dangerous and seductive and has been waiting for a witch with a power like hers for centuries.
My Thoughts: I enjoyed the previous book, The Lost Witch, a little better than this one. I really struggled with the layout of the story as it appears that most of the characters talked in riddles. However, I loved the romance blended with the magical theme. While I am not a huge fantasy reader, I do love books revolving around magic and witches. Aline feels like an outcast, as she has the special ability to talk to ghosts, even her own parents made her feel like an outcast. It is not until in adulthood, she meets these eccentric sisters and works in their bookstore, she really comes into her own. Then all of the sudden, she is abandoned by both her ghost friend and the sisters.
The book started off great and grabbed my attention. However, towards the middle, the world switching and magical system became a little confusing. It picks back up towards the last third and finished strong. I loved the ending. The author does a great job at detailing the worlds and building this imagery that really pulls you into the story, immersing you into the story. The characters, while unreliable narrators, were relatable and likable. It was very whimsical, creative, and intriguing. If you love Lana Harper, you should pick this up. I did enjoy the story and would recommend to other readers.
January 28, 2025
This is such a magical story! I've not read anything like this before, and I found it warm and cozy, but also exciting, and it even made me emotional at times. I can't wait to read more from this author!
August 10, 2024
This is the kind of book that reminds you how hard it is to write compelling characters and interesting plots.
October 8, 2023
Paige Crutcher continues writing creative stories about magic and the people who wield it. What Became of Magic was another interesting take on this theme with Aline Weir as our main character. She is a witch who can talk to ghosts. Because of this, she's often been isolated and has few friends because most people think she's a little crazy for "talking to herself." But when she turns thirty, she discovers there's a town known as Matchstick that is completely in the world of magic.
Aline begins to feel like she belongs for the first time ever. But she can't enjoy that fact because she is soon trying to figure out why her good friends have suddenly disappeared. Of course, in trying to find them, she makes new friends. And ends up officially meeting Magic. Yes, that's correct...buckle up because magic is someone that she can actually meet and talk to. So, jump in and enjoy this story about magic, who and what it is and how to find where you fit in the world.
AUDIOBOOK: I actually had a difficult time initially following the audiobook and had to flip over to the ebook for most of my early reading. It was confusing for me to listen to the audio when Aline's story was going back and forth. Once the storyline settled in a bit, I was able to move back to the audiobook more. I liked the voices for the narration. The struggle I had was just that the storyline made the early part of the story a bit challenging to follow. As it progressed, everything balanced out. 4 stars
Thank you to NetGalley for early copies of both the ebook and audiobook. I voluntarily chose to read/listen to and review them and the opinions contained within are my own.
Aline begins to feel like she belongs for the first time ever. But she can't enjoy that fact because she is soon trying to figure out why her good friends have suddenly disappeared. Of course, in trying to find them, she makes new friends. And ends up officially meeting Magic. Yes, that's correct...buckle up because magic is someone that she can actually meet and talk to. So, jump in and enjoy this story about magic, who and what it is and how to find where you fit in the world.
AUDIOBOOK: I actually had a difficult time initially following the audiobook and had to flip over to the ebook for most of my early reading. It was confusing for me to listen to the audio when Aline's story was going back and forth. Once the storyline settled in a bit, I was able to move back to the audiobook more. I liked the voices for the narration. The struggle I had was just that the storyline made the early part of the story a bit challenging to follow. As it progressed, everything balanced out. 4 stars
Thank you to NetGalley for early copies of both the ebook and audiobook. I voluntarily chose to read/listen to and review them and the opinions contained within are my own.
November 6, 2023
Writing this at 42%.
I don't know about this one. I started out absolutely loving it when it was going into Aline's growing-up years. But it's like as soon as she became an adult, the author became absolutely enamored with making the prose as... "prose-like" as she could. It almost felt like I'm reading about a dream someone else had, where suddenly I realized a character was attacked, but I was so distracted by some overdone metaphor in the narrative that I didn't even realize it. Another reviewer wrote that the characters spoke in riddles and they were absolutely correct.
If I get back to it, I'll post some samples of the dialogue. At the moment, I'm seriously toying with DNF-ing, even as much as I enjoy so much about the storyline.
UPDATE: Yep, this was a DNF. Two stars because I did love the first 30%.
I don't know about this one. I started out absolutely loving it when it was going into Aline's growing-up years. But it's like as soon as she became an adult, the author became absolutely enamored with making the prose as... "prose-like" as she could. It almost felt like I'm reading about a dream someone else had, where suddenly I realized a character was attacked, but I was so distracted by some overdone metaphor in the narrative that I didn't even realize it. Another reviewer wrote that the characters spoke in riddles and they were absolutely correct.
If I get back to it, I'll post some samples of the dialogue. At the moment, I'm seriously toying with DNF-ing, even as much as I enjoy so much about the storyline.
UPDATE: Yep, this was a DNF. Two stars because I did love the first 30%.
June 10, 2023
Thank you St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC!
This is an honest review so my warning is that this might be a great fit for other readers.
In truth, this style of storytelling is not my favorite. The beginning takes an intriguing idea: a lonely adolescent child suddenly discovering she could see and talk to ghosts; and bores the reader with an incredibly dull narrative style. This could have been a stylistic choice to convey how bland and suspended Aline's world was. However, I'm not convinced this was intentional.
The novel spends several chapters across Aline's childhood and early teen years before the story jumps us 15 years into the future. This is when the action of the story comes to play. Again, I want to preface, this type of nonsense literary style is not for me. There were some beautiful one liners buried amongst conflicting dialogue. However, I found myself re-reading specific paragraphs without fully gasping what actually took place on the page. The story leans too heavily on puns in order to push forward the storyline. I will applaud the author for encouraging me to look up the specific type of puns used within this story. Magic, magic is an example of a homographic pun and does lend comedy to the otherwise despondent quest our reluctant heroine is tasked with.
I digress, there was some wonderful potential in the last 30% of the story. The plot has an exciting premise and that's what kept me reading. However, outside of the early edition grammar errors, my biggest issue stems from the writing style. Sometimes it was too non-sensical and slapdash to truly convey what was happening. As a reader, I kept getting lost in the point of the story.
My recommendation would be to spell it out more clearly on the page, even the pieces that are intentionally meant to be abstract. Spend less time detailing ALL aspects of the first 16 years of Aline's life and instead use that time to provide more clarity around the magical world she exists within. I would also like to see more parallels to how Florence's pursuit of the Magic's impacts the "normal" world. There is only one small paragraph dedicated to this in the last 10% of the story and it would have provided a useful segue into Aline's maturation across her "normal" experiences vs her "magical" ones.
This is an honest review so my warning is that this might be a great fit for other readers.
In truth, this style of storytelling is not my favorite. The beginning takes an intriguing idea: a lonely adolescent child suddenly discovering she could see and talk to ghosts; and bores the reader with an incredibly dull narrative style. This could have been a stylistic choice to convey how bland and suspended Aline's world was. However, I'm not convinced this was intentional.
The novel spends several chapters across Aline's childhood and early teen years before the story jumps us 15 years into the future. This is when the action of the story comes to play. Again, I want to preface, this type of nonsense literary style is not for me. There were some beautiful one liners buried amongst conflicting dialogue. However, I found myself re-reading specific paragraphs without fully gasping what actually took place on the page. The story leans too heavily on puns in order to push forward the storyline. I will applaud the author for encouraging me to look up the specific type of puns used within this story. Magic, magic is an example of a homographic pun and does lend comedy to the otherwise despondent quest our reluctant heroine is tasked with.
I digress, there was some wonderful potential in the last 30% of the story. The plot has an exciting premise and that's what kept me reading. However, outside of the early edition grammar errors, my biggest issue stems from the writing style. Sometimes it was too non-sensical and slapdash to truly convey what was happening. As a reader, I kept getting lost in the point of the story.
My recommendation would be to spell it out more clearly on the page, even the pieces that are intentionally meant to be abstract. Spend less time detailing ALL aspects of the first 16 years of Aline's life and instead use that time to provide more clarity around the magical world she exists within. I would also like to see more parallels to how Florence's pursuit of the Magic's impacts the "normal" world. There is only one small paragraph dedicated to this in the last 10% of the story and it would have provided a useful segue into Aline's maturation across her "normal" experiences vs her "magical" ones.
September 3, 2023
If you loved The Starless Sea or The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue, you will adore this. A mix of magic, fantasy, and a touch of romantic realism make this a fast moving read. I loved the language used to create a world within the natural world we inhabit. I didn't want this one to end. I feel lucky to have received this ARC and I will be sure to pass this one along to friends and fellow readers who love magic and fantasy.
September 18, 2023
Aline Weir is a witch who can talk to ghosts ever since middle school. Sadly she found out that she could talk to ghost at a slumber party after this happens Aline chooses to be invisible and starts using her powers in secret to help lost souls. I had loved the plot of the book and the cover was amazing but sadly that's all I liked. This book was confusing for me and I could not connect to any of the character's in this book. The author could have been more creative with character's name instead of using magic, day and night or dragon. In the beginning it was good and the rest I didn't understand and it felt like a bad trip. I would still recommend this to people you like this author or this type of book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2023
First I want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an arc in exchange of my honest review.
I honestly wanted to love this book, I read the premise and was instantly sold. Witches, a town that is not on the map and magic being literally a person? well who will not be sold with that?. Sadly, I think I have outgrown these type of juvenile stories. Not that the story is juvenile itself, it just really felt that way. The characters acted like they were teens. The relationship between both MC felt like really rush and I really really dislike the insta-love trope. Like I was literally 8 percent in and the MC were already kissing. The whole mean girls ordeal is a no for me to be honest, like I can read books about high schoolers but idk, while I can watch movies/tv shows with bullying and mean girls, reading about it is a real turn off. Maybe people that likes these type of readings or feels will love this one but it definitely wasn't for me.
2.5 stars
I honestly wanted to love this book, I read the premise and was instantly sold. Witches, a town that is not on the map and magic being literally a person? well who will not be sold with that?. Sadly, I think I have outgrown these type of juvenile stories. Not that the story is juvenile itself, it just really felt that way. The characters acted like they were teens. The relationship between both MC felt like really rush and I really really dislike the insta-love trope. Like I was literally 8 percent in and the MC were already kissing. The whole mean girls ordeal is a no for me to be honest, like I can read books about high schoolers but idk, while I can watch movies/tv shows with bullying and mean girls, reading about it is a real turn off. Maybe people that likes these type of readings or feels will love this one but it definitely wasn't for me.
2.5 stars
November 10, 2023
After discussing in depth with Erika H I want to give this one 1.5 stars. I'm not sure I would have finished if it hadn't been for our mini book club. I've read text books with better character development and the plot while not a terrible premise (hence the HALF star) was executed so poorly it made it extremely difficult to enjoy. Either half of the details and characters needed cut or 2 more books made to develop and explain them more. Not exactly sure how or why Magic and Aline really even know each other let alone love each other. Might make an okay premise for a movie but boy am I glad to be done with the book.
October 10, 2023
My summer of witches has extended into an autumn of auguries by dint of my reading schedule attenuating in these waning days of 2023. What Became of Magic is a book I was looking forward to reading on my deck at the end of August, but it also worked well in the cooler days of September. Paige Crutcher brings a dazzling dash of creativity to her storytelling. Alas, I didn’t enjoy her narrative style or her characterization. My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the eARC in exchange for a review.
Aline Weir was always the loner kid. One day at a sleepover, a ghost of a girl named Dragon befriends her. Aline grows up and grows into her witchy power to help spirits cross over. An accident with a boy her age, however, reverberates across the world and will have consequences for more than Aline. Practically raised by Fates, she finds herself drawn to the magical town of Matchstick. Soon she is in a pitched battle against an ancient enemy who has designs on the personifications of magic themselves—unless Aline and her allies can find a way to restore the balance.
What Became of Magic keeps insisting that Aline is special—indeed that she is inextricably bound up with Magic, who is both a force and a man. But I don’t see it. Aline is boring, at least from the distance at which we get to know her. Crutcher’s narrative choices don’t work for me. There is a veritable montage of Aline’s childhood at the beginning of the book. Instead, bits and bobs of flashbacks spread out through the narrative might have kept me more interested. As it is, I never felt myself connecting to Aline. Like, Crutcher makes it very clear that her parents were always distant and never thought Aline would amount to much of anything—but we never really see Aline feel it, you know?
Then, after Aline leaves the bookstore for the town of Matchstick, the plot spins wildly out of control. Suddenly Crutcher throws us into a quest-like structure. Again, she puts a lot of work into establishing both allies and enemies, as well as laying out the stakes. It should all come together to create a great story. Yet it’s messy, convoluted—the rules are constantly shifting. And none of the characters are three-dimensional enough for me to care about them. Not even Aline.
I also can’t stand romantic subplots premised on destiny, for it veers uncomfortably close to removing agency (or even consent). To be clear, that’s a personal preference of mine; I’m not trying to say that is what Crutcher implies happens here. Indeed, if anyone is going to enjoy this chaotic book, it’s going to be romance fans who want to swoon over the idea of True Love between a witch and a magic man.
As it is, there was just nothing for me to grab onto as I read this book. I felt like I was listening to a child tell me the fantasy story they had just made up—each time they jump to a new scene, I need to stop them and ask questions because I cannot keep it straight in my head. Crutcher’s imagination is unquestionable—but the organization of this book, its editing, the plotting and pacing and protagonist—none of it works for me.
In the end, What Became of Magic felt like a missed opportunity. I say this not to be harsh. I don’t think it is a bad book. But I came really close to DNFing it.
Originally posted on Kara.Reviews, where you can easily browse all my reviews and subscribe to my newsletter.
Aline Weir was always the loner kid. One day at a sleepover, a ghost of a girl named Dragon befriends her. Aline grows up and grows into her witchy power to help spirits cross over. An accident with a boy her age, however, reverberates across the world and will have consequences for more than Aline. Practically raised by Fates, she finds herself drawn to the magical town of Matchstick. Soon she is in a pitched battle against an ancient enemy who has designs on the personifications of magic themselves—unless Aline and her allies can find a way to restore the balance.
What Became of Magic keeps insisting that Aline is special—indeed that she is inextricably bound up with Magic, who is both a force and a man. But I don’t see it. Aline is boring, at least from the distance at which we get to know her. Crutcher’s narrative choices don’t work for me. There is a veritable montage of Aline’s childhood at the beginning of the book. Instead, bits and bobs of flashbacks spread out through the narrative might have kept me more interested. As it is, I never felt myself connecting to Aline. Like, Crutcher makes it very clear that her parents were always distant and never thought Aline would amount to much of anything—but we never really see Aline feel it, you know?
Then, after Aline leaves the bookstore for the town of Matchstick, the plot spins wildly out of control. Suddenly Crutcher throws us into a quest-like structure. Again, she puts a lot of work into establishing both allies and enemies, as well as laying out the stakes. It should all come together to create a great story. Yet it’s messy, convoluted—the rules are constantly shifting. And none of the characters are three-dimensional enough for me to care about them. Not even Aline.
I also can’t stand romantic subplots premised on destiny, for it veers uncomfortably close to removing agency (or even consent). To be clear, that’s a personal preference of mine; I’m not trying to say that is what Crutcher implies happens here. Indeed, if anyone is going to enjoy this chaotic book, it’s going to be romance fans who want to swoon over the idea of True Love between a witch and a magic man.
As it is, there was just nothing for me to grab onto as I read this book. I felt like I was listening to a child tell me the fantasy story they had just made up—each time they jump to a new scene, I need to stop them and ask questions because I cannot keep it straight in my head. Crutcher’s imagination is unquestionable—but the organization of this book, its editing, the plotting and pacing and protagonist—none of it works for me.
In the end, What Became of Magic felt like a missed opportunity. I say this not to be harsh. I don’t think it is a bad book. But I came really close to DNFing it.
Originally posted on Kara.Reviews, where you can easily browse all my reviews and subscribe to my newsletter.
September 11, 2023
I was really intrigued by the premise of this book - a witch who can talk to ghosts and helps them reunite with the keys to send them home? Sound interesting! However, this book really ends up being more about Aline learning more about magic and being pulled into an evil witch's scheming and trying to find a way to...save the world? I guess?
I'm going to be honest, I read this whole book and still don't really understand what happened. The plot got really confusing and convoluted (once we got to the actual plot) and there were so many characters that I really couldn't keep track of most of them. At one point towards the end a new character is added and I truly could not tell you that character's name and I finished the book less than an hour ago.
The romance was also...weird? Aline falls in love with...Magic. No, I'm not joking. Magic both is a man and is...magic. He is also occasionally referred to as "Magic the first" because there are ...multiple magics? and then the evil witch....murders those magics? Honestly this is the best I have for the plot - I hope to god that other people understand it better than I did. I can read a high fantasy novel that I understand more than I understood whatever happened here.
The vibes of this book were definitely witchy and fall - if that's your vibe for the season, you may like this! I enjoyed using this book to get into the fall season. The plot unfortunately didn't work for me. I thought the writing was good, if a bit flowery at times.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'm going to be honest, I read this whole book and still don't really understand what happened. The plot got really confusing and convoluted (once we got to the actual plot) and there were so many characters that I really couldn't keep track of most of them. At one point towards the end a new character is added and I truly could not tell you that character's name and I finished the book less than an hour ago.
The romance was also...weird? Aline falls in love with...Magic. No, I'm not joking. Magic both is a man and is...magic. He is also occasionally referred to as "Magic the first" because there are ...multiple magics? and then the evil witch....murders those magics? Honestly this is the best I have for the plot - I hope to god that other people understand it better than I did. I can read a high fantasy novel that I understand more than I understood whatever happened here.
The vibes of this book were definitely witchy and fall - if that's your vibe for the season, you may like this! I enjoyed using this book to get into the fall season. The plot unfortunately didn't work for me. I thought the writing was good, if a bit flowery at times.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 14, 2023
There was a magic in the shop when she entered the front doors. Something calling to her, making her feel like she finally belonged somewhere. She walked the aisles of books, reaching out and touching their spines, when suddenly she felt pulled forward to a place she only thought was fictional.
What Became of Magic is a witchy fantasy following Aline who has never felt like she belonged until she discovers her witch powers and finds what her place in the world is supposed to be.
This book just didn’t work for me. This is labeled as an adult fantasy, but read like a middle grade book. All the characters felt and acted like 13 year olds. I was bored throughout most of this book and found myself rolling my eyes a lot. This is definitely a case of mis-marketing and probably would be better as a middle grade or very young adult.
If you like witchy stories and would prefer a more light-hearted, middle grade style read… then this book may work for you!
CW: Death, Abandonment/Neglect, Bullying.
What Became of Magic is a witchy fantasy following Aline who has never felt like she belonged until she discovers her witch powers and finds what her place in the world is supposed to be.
This book just didn’t work for me. This is labeled as an adult fantasy, but read like a middle grade book. All the characters felt and acted like 13 year olds. I was bored throughout most of this book and found myself rolling my eyes a lot. This is definitely a case of mis-marketing and probably would be better as a middle grade or very young adult.
If you like witchy stories and would prefer a more light-hearted, middle grade style read… then this book may work for you!
CW: Death, Abandonment/Neglect, Bullying.
July 23, 2023
This is such a captivating read I read it from cover to cover. Thank you to the publisher , to Net Galley and to the author for the opportunity for review. My review opinion is my own.
This is a fascinating well crafted story of Aline. She is a witch with magical powers that as a child she does not yet understand. After being humilated at a school gathering for talking to a ghost she journeys to another world and finds herself and her meaning in life. She leaves her beliefs behind in the normal world and applies herself to do as much good as she can for herself and those in her new magical world.
This has rich charcters that dance on the page, a exceptional told magical story that captivates the reader from pages one. I loved how Aline found herself in a new world and embraced her powers. She is a lovable charcter. Ther author created such a fascinating read that entices the reader to read to conclusion. Very well done to the author. This would be a great movie.
This is a fascinating well crafted story of Aline. She is a witch with magical powers that as a child she does not yet understand. After being humilated at a school gathering for talking to a ghost she journeys to another world and finds herself and her meaning in life. She leaves her beliefs behind in the normal world and applies herself to do as much good as she can for herself and those in her new magical world.
This has rich charcters that dance on the page, a exceptional told magical story that captivates the reader from pages one. I loved how Aline found herself in a new world and embraced her powers. She is a lovable charcter. Ther author created such a fascinating read that entices the reader to read to conclusion. Very well done to the author. This would be a great movie.
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