Something Close to Magic Magic exists in various forms and can be found in the most unexpected places. It does not always have to be flashy or extravagant; sometimes, something close to magic can be as simple as a smile or a kind gesture. These small acts of kindness have the power to brighten someone's day and uplift their spirits. One can also find magic in the beauty of nature. The enchanting colors of a sunset or the delicate petals of a flower can transport us to another world, where all our troubles seem to fade away. It is in these moments that we realize the extraordinary power and wonder of the natural world.
The story is packed with snappy dialogue. I loved that so much. It’s got an upbeat feel to it mostly, but I definitely cried in the scenes where Hapless and Aurelie are confronted by the lies they believe in all their ugliness. Those scenes were really heartbreaking.
The stranger, who turns out to be a remarkably bothersome bounty hunter named Iliana, asks for Aurelie s help rescuing someone from the dangerous Underwood which sounds suspiciously like an adventure. Still, the job offers stability, which no-nonsense Aurelie values highly, so she keeps her head down and doesn t dare to dream big until a stranger walks in and hands her a set of Seeking stones.
It is in these moments that we realize the extraordinary power and wonder of the natural world. Music too has a magical quality. It can evoke powerful emotions and transport us to different times and places.
REVIEW: Something Close to Magic by Emma Mills
Summary: A baker’s apprentice reluctantly embarks on an adventure full of magic, new friendships, and a prince in distress in this deliciously romantic young adult fantasy that’s perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson and Gail Carson Levine.
It’s not all sugar and spice at Basil’s Bakery, where seventeen-year-old Aurelie is an overworked, underappreciated apprentice. Still, the job offers stability, which no-nonsense Aurelie values highly, so she keeps her head down and doesn’t dare to dream big—until a stranger walks in and hands her a set of Seeking stones. In a country where Seeking was old-fashioned even before magic went out of style, it’s a rare skill, but Aurelie has it.
The stranger, who turns out to be a remarkably bothersome bounty hunter named Iliana, asks for Aurelie’s help rescuing someone from the dangerous Underwood—which sounds suspiciously like an adventure. When the someone turns out to be Prince Hapless, the charming-but-aptly-named prince, Aurelie’s careful life is upended. Suddenly, she finds herself on a quest filled with magic portals, a troll older than many trees (and a few rocks), and dangerous palace intrigue.
Even more dangerous are the feelings she’s starting to have for Hapless. The more time Aurelie spends with him, the less she can stand the thought of going back to her solitary but dependable life at the bakery. Must she choose between losing her apprenticeship—or her heart?
Read my reviews of other books by the same author:
“I’ll think of you if that day arrives.”
The smile turned brighter. “I do hope you’ll think of me before then.”
I am the biggest Emma Mills fan ever, so I have been desperately counting down the days once she finally announced a new book. And! This is a fantasy, which was an interesting departure from her contemporary books but I knew it was going to be good. With the same heart and wit of Mills’s other works, Something Close to Magic was an adorably cozy fantasy with a lovable cast of characters.
A baker’s apprentice, Aurelie is resigned to a mundane life. When Iliana walks into her shop one day looking for a seeker—someone who can do the rare act of magic of finding—Aurelie agrees to help her with her bounties. Soon enough, she finds herself dragged along for a quest to find someone, alongside Iliana and Quad, an Uncommonfolk troll. They run into Prince Hapless after he was ambushed and detour to take him back to the capital. There’s a plan afoot though, and he might be in more danger than they originally anticipated.
Much like in my reviews of this author’s other books, I don’t know how to properly express my love for this book in words. I had to reread it just to put my thoughts in order, and even then, I’m still at a loss for how to capture what I loved about this book but I’ll give it a try.
If you’ve read Lucky Caller, you’ll probably recognize these characters’ names. While I don’t remember everything about the game in that book, I believe some of the basic characterizations took inspiration from the personas the characters in Lucky Caller played as. This was just such a fun connection to Mills’s other book and made me want to reread Lucky Caller all over again.
I loved the characters in this book, as well! Aurelie can do magic, which is more-or-less unfashionable in the kingdom now; she’s trained in seeking, which is even more rare since it’s so out-of-date. She very much just wants to live her quiet life until she meets Iliana. Once the quest to help Hapless sets off, how can she return back to her apprenticeship?
Iliana, meanwhile, is very different from Aurelie, in ways that sometimes frustrates her. She’s mysterious and keeps her secrets close to her chest, yet incredibly perceptive and helpful. Quad brought even more humor to this book with her acerbic asides about mortal inventions (including age, since trolls track their age by what rocks they’re older than). I laughed so much throughout this book! And then we have Hapless, a lovably clumsy and kind-hearted prince. He’s forever characterized by his penchant for being absent-minded, but he learns to stand up for himself.
The plot was fun to follow, and this book is a pretty fast read too. I just love Emma Mills’s writing so much that I flew through this both times I read it. There’s also a letter-writing interlude by the way, and Aurelie’s and Hapless’s voices shine through these letters. Mills is such a strong character writer, and I always love seeing how she builds up characterizations.
Something Close to Magic was such a sweet, soft fantasy with a new cast of characters that I adored. I genuinely couldn’t stop smiling and laughing while reading this book, and I need everyone to read it immediately. I can’t recommend Something Close to Magic enough, especially if you like cozy, light-hearted fantasies with a lovable found family and great writing!
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About the Author: Emma Mills is the author of five YA contemporary romances, including First & Then and Foolish Hearts, and one YA fantasy, Something Close to Magic. When she is not writing, Emma can be found editing scientific manuscripts, tending to her large collection of succulents, and deep-diving into various fandoms. Emma lives in St. Louis with her dog Teddy, who is best described as a big personality in a tiny package.
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A single melody has the ability to bring back long-forgotten memories or make us feel a range of emotions, from joy to sadness. Love is another form of magic that can be found in our lives. The love we share with our family, friends, or romantic partners can make us feel invincible. It gives us strength, support, and a sense of belonging. Love has the power to heal wounds, mend broken hearts, and bring happiness into our lives. Furthermore, human accomplishments can sometimes seem magical. From great works of art to technological advancements, humans have the ability to create wonders that defy our understanding. The ingenuity and creativity of the human mind can produce things that seem to have a touch of magic in them. It is important to recognize and appreciate the magic that surrounds us every day. Often, it is the small and simple things that possess the most enchantment. Taking a moment to stop and appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world can bring a sense of awe and gratitude. In conclusion, something close to magic can be found in the simplest of things – a smile, the beauty of nature, music, love, and human accomplishments. It is important to seek out and appreciate these magical moments in our lives as they bring joy, wonder, and a reminder of the extraordinary world we live in..
Reviews for "The Art of Wicca: Exploring Modern Witchcraft and Its Connection to Ancient Traditions"
1. Stephanie - 2 stars
I found "Something Close to Magic" to be disappointing. The plot was predictable and lacked any real depth. The characters were one-dimensional and I struggled to care about their stories. The writing style felt awkward and forced, making it difficult for me to become fully immersed in the novel. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied with this book.
2. John - 1 star
I can honestly say that "Something Close to Magic" is one of the worst books I've ever read. The storyline was convoluted and confusing, jumping between different plotlines without any clear direction. The characters were uninteresting and lacked any real development. The writing itself was riddled with cliches and poor grammar, further detracting from the reading experience. I struggled to finish this book and would not recommend it to anyone.
3. Lisa - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Something Close to Magic," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The pacing was incredibly slow, and I found myself bored throughout most of the book. The romance was cheesy and unrealistic, making it difficult for me to connect with the characters. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, further adding to my overall disappointment. While the concept had potential, the execution was lacking, and I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this read.
4. David - 1 star
"Something Close to Magic" was a complete waste of my time. The plot was nonsensical and filled with holes, making it difficult for me to follow along. The characters were unlikable and lacked any real depth, leaving me uninterested in their stories. The writing style was confusing and disjointed, adding to my frustration as I tried to make sense of the narrative. Overall, I found nothing redeeming about this book and would caution others to steer clear.