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potalian's review against another edition
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Sexual content
rebakesl's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This book was really cute and lighthearted and a pretty easy read. The writing style seemed overly informal? or maybe underdeveloped or something but I found myself wanting the author to SHOW me with words rather than using simplistic language to say it. The characters were fun and I will definitely read the second book :)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Bullying, Death, and Death of parent
kokidelavega's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying
Some people have listed pedofilia as high in the content warnings, and while it was a bit iffy for me, I know it’s because I’m an American reader who is accustomed to age of consent being 18yrs, but it seems in the UK it’s 17yrs. The age difference between the love interests are about 5yrs (I think. I don’t remember exactly), but the story and romance happen 8 years after they meet. So I think it comes down to an individual’s comfort level with age differences rather than labeling it as pedofilia.kiki_15's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A simple read. All the characters were lovable, albeit, lacking in diversity. I adored the setting of the book. Charming Cove seems so cozy and the Garden of Enchantment sounds beautiful and a nature lover's dream.
That being said, I didn't really find the book captivating. I personally didn't feel the chemistry between Aria and Callan. While there is sexual tension between them, they clearly secretly like each other, there was just something lacking in their love story, for lack of a better word. Their sex scene was so weird and out of the blue.
That being said, I didn't really find the book captivating. I personally didn't feel the chemistry between Aria and Callan. While there is sexual tension between them, they clearly secretly like each other, there was just something lacking in their love story, for lack of a better word. Their sex scene was so weird and out of the blue.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Death of parent
Minor: Blood
bookcasey's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
A quick magical romance with a misfit witch, a dashing mage, and a full cast of supporting characters, complete with animal sidekick. If you’re looking for something light and happy, this is a fun pick. Brief suggestion of queerness, but otherwise little to suggest diversity among the characters.
The ending is a bit rushed; I wish an editor could have helped with the pacing there. There’s also a note about an epilogue if you subscribe, yada yada.
The ending is a bit rushed; I wish an editor could have helped with the pacing there. There’s also a note about an epilogue if you subscribe, yada yada.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Brief and relatively vague sexual scene (but with discussion of birth control, yay!), would probably be fine for YA readers.srivalli's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
3.75
3.8 Stars
One Liner: Lighthearted and fun
Aria is a magical disaster. She’s a witch but cannot control her magic, putting her in complex situations. She does her best to avoid using her magic but ends up messing things up anyway. When Aria’s granny asks her to come back home to Charming Cove to participate in a competition, Aria is sure she’ll fail.
However, she has to win the competition to save their shop, Seaside Spells. If only her magic would cooperate. Of course, things get annoying when Callan Hawthrone is back in the town and a fellow competitor. She hates this rich guy, even if it is not always ‘hate’.
Can Aria learn to control her magic, win the competition, and maybe find her HEA?
The story comes in the first-person POV of Aria (more %) and Callan.
My Thoughts:
After my previous read, I wanted something light and enjoyable. I couldn’t have picked a better book. This is sweet, lighthearted, entertaining, and fun. There’s nothing intense about the book, so go into it with the right expectations.
The small town setting is magical and beautiful. Witches are common here, and people have varying degrees of magical powers. Though we don’t meet a lot of the townfolk, those we come across are supportive and friendly (except for a mandatory person).
The book deals with topics like bullying, loss, self-worth, finding oneself, and love. However, almost everything is on the surface level. This is an advantage and a disadvantage. Only Aria trying to overcome her insecurities and understanding her magic is detailed.
There’s a sort of enemies-to-lovers trope, but it’s resolved too easily and is based on a weak misunderstanding, so it doesn’t really count. Callan is a sweet guy and easy to like.
The supporting characters, Gran, Tabhata, and Catrina are a treat to read. Catrina is my super favorite. Who doesn’t like a confident seven-year-old witch in two pigtails? I love this little girl.
My favorite part of the book is when Aria understands her magic and learns to work with it. The concept is so simple yet poignant. It aligns with the indigenous way of life, where people co-exist in harmony with nature.
The climax has some action but is resolved quickly enough to not feel boring. The ending has HEA of sorts, though we’ll see more of it in the coming books.
I’m not sure about Callan’s first-person POV. He has a few chapters, but I found it confusing to distinguish between his voice and hers. A limited third-person would have been better for him.
Though I wanted a lighter book, I still wish this one went a little deep to explore the character’s emotions. I couldn’t connect with the characters despite liking them. Things were a little too superficial.
However, the pacing is steady (surprising since Aria tends to ramble,) and something or the other is always happening to keep the story moving.
Boris the Badger is fun (must say, authors are coming up with creative witch familiars), though I hope his arc won’t be restricted to eating, sleeping, and a few one-liners. The pinklings are cute, and I’d like to meet them again!
I like the fantasy elements and magic system in this one. While it’s not fully explained, I have an idea of how it works. Hoping the elements will be explored in detail in the coming books.
To summarize, The Modern Girl's Guide to Magic is a cozy, sweet, and simple witchy story set with a small-town feel. Grab it if you want a breather from heavy reads. There’s a mini mild steamy scene (just 2-3 paras).
Thank you, NetGalley and Bonnie Doon Press, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheModernGirlsGuidetoMagic
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying and Death of parent