Tag Archive for: Magical Realism

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Extra Witchy

Extra WitchyTitle: Extra Witchy
Author: Ann Aguirre
Series: Fix-It Witches #3
Genre: Magical Realism, Romance
Spice: 3 / 5
Format: Audio
Pages: 344
Length: 10h 12m
Narrator: Ava Lucas
Reason Read: Just Because
Rating:

Also in this series: Witch Please, Boss Witch
My Thoughts

I wasn’t sure I was going to like EXTRA WITCHY as much because I wasn’t really interested in Leanne’s character in the previous two books. However, she and Trevor really surprised me. Their story ended up being my favorite. I loved both the premise and the execution. (I really loved the Futurama misquote scene. It made me so happy.)

I loved that Trevor called Leanne “butterfly.” It melted my heart each time he said it. I related a lot to Trevor. I’m glad getting out of his parents’ basement and away from his family’s toxicity helped him heal. I’m glad Leanne helped get him on that path and that his life became more fulfilling.

I really enjoyed seeing more of the politics in the witch world. I was so happy that Leanne campaigned for witches to come out in the open and that she and Danica were finally able to tell Trevor and Titus who they really were. I loved that Titus had already guessed and that all the major problems in the world made the news not very newsworthy, lol.

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One & Only

One & OnlyTitle: One & Only
Author: Maurene Goo
Genre: Magical Realism, Romance
Spice: 2.5 / 5
Format: Audio
Pages: 358
Length: 10h 32m
Narrator: Jeena Yi
Reason Read: Book of the Month
Rating:

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed reading ONE & ONLY. It was a fun romance with a little bit of magic. I liked the Korean American culture and the characters. At first, I wasn’t too fond of Cassia’s choice, but he grew on me and I’m happy they ended up together. I liked the aspect of still having a choice even when “fate” is involved.

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A Song To Drown Rivers

A Song To Drown RiversTitle: A Song to Drown Rivers
Author: Ann Liang
Genre: Historical Fiction, Magical Realism
Format: Audio
Pages: 324
Length: 10h 22m
Narrator: Natalie Naudus
Reason Read: Book of the Month
Rating:

My Thoughts

A SONG TO DROWN RIVERS is a story that’ll stay will me for a long time. It’s a beautifully tragic story about love, loss, betrayal, politics, and war. I’ve loved Asian folktales since I was a child and this one did not disappoint. Xishi, Fanli, Zhengdan, and Fanli’s friend (I don’t know how to spell his name since I listened to the audiobook and I can’t find it on Google). The ending felt a bit rushed and the end end reminded me of the movie Eternity. It made me wonder if it was really hopeful or actually more tragic. So much to think about.

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Darling Girl

Darling GirlTitle: Darling Girl
Author: Liz Michalski
Genre: Magical Realism, Thriller
Format: Audio
Pages: 341
Length: 11h 42m
Narrator: Elizabeth Knowelden
Reason Read: Book of the Month
Rating:

My Thoughts

DARLING GIRL was a very interesting, dark twist on Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie. I really enjoyed the topsy turvy nature of this story and flipping everything on its head. I thought the idea of Holly Darling looking for her daughter while trying to keep her son safe from what lurks in the shadows, windows, and wind was a fun concept.

At first, I thought Holly was selfish but as I learned more and more about the truth and what happened to her and her family, I realized that even though many of her decisions and actions were questionable, she did what she thought was best for her family. I liked her arc of character growth. I wish, however, she had done more in the story instead of relying on other people. The ending was a bit anticlimactic because of it. I also didn’t think she spent enough time with Christopher Cooke to warrant him being the love interest. I loved that he was, but I thought he needed more time and pages in the story.

Ink Blood Sister Scribe

Ink Blood Sister ScribeTitle: Ink Blood Sister Scribe
Author: Emma Törzs
Genre: Magical Realism
Format: Audio
Pages: 407
Length: 13h 53m
Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld
Reason Read: Book of the Month
Rating:

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed INK BLOOD SISTER SCRIBE. I thought the concept and magic system were very intriguing. I also thought the mystery aspect of the story was fun. I guessed a lot of what was going on but I still enjoyed reading the story as everything came to fruition.

I loved both Esther and Joanna. I felt for them as they learned the truth that had been hidden from them for most of their lives. Even though I liked Nicholas, I thought he was really naïve and needed to ask more questions. I also liked Collins, just not as a romantic interest for Joanna. I would’ve rather seen her with Nicholas.