magic

The Keeper of Magical Things

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The Keeper of Magical Things by Julie Leong

The second cozy fantasy by the author of The Teller of Small Fortunes is not a sequel, but is set in the same world. Certainty Bulrush has been living in the city of Margrave for six years, as a novice in the Guild of Mages. Her only magical talent is to communicate with objects, especially magical objects such as a talking teapot. If she becomes a mage, her family, who have a pear orchard, can afford an apprenticeship for her brother.

Certainty is sent on an assignment with Mage Aurelia Mirella, a farspeaker. Their task is to take two wagons of minor magical artifacts to a remote and unmagical village. Their housing and storage for the artifacts have been pre-arranged, supposedly. The pair are to inventory, organize, store, and ward the collection. Too many magical items at the Guild have created an overflow of magic, leading to some humorous magical incidents. Aurelia has a reputation for being standoffish, and is from a wealthy family in the city. She also has a big secret, which is soon revealed to Certainty. Aurelia has high standards, and neither their housing, storage, or meals meet her approval. Cert has to show by example how to fit in to the village. With assistance from some of the minor magical items, they help the village’s apple orchards, water supply, and help create very tasty pasta. There’s also some romance, and a small catdragon.

When their assignment ends badly, Cert is unfairly blamed and goes home in disgrace to her family, where she is shown … kindness and love. Back to the city she goes, to explain her motives and actions. An enjoyable read, though different in setting and tone from her first book.

Brenda

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping

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A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

Mandanna’s first book for adults, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, has been very popular with cozy fantasy readers since it was published in 2022. Fans will rejoice with this new book, not a sequel, but set in the same version of England. The British Guild of Sorcery in Northumberland has a council packed with conservative white witches from the top ten British witch families. They run a school for young witches, but fortunately also offers a homeschooling option.

We learn more about magic and witches, including some from Iceland. Witches have varying amounts of power, curses may backfire, and magic can be lost. Some old books of spells are in a restricted section of the Guild’s library, and Sera Swan has lost access to it.

Sera and her formerly late great-aunt Jasmine run the Batty Hole Inn, and the inn is largely held together with Sera’s magic. A recent spell lets only those who need the inn find it. Currently lodging with Sera and Jasmine are two non-magical guests: Matilda, who is obsessed with mushrooms and Nicholas, who works as a Knight at the nearby Medieval Faire. Theo, a young relative, is living there while homeschooling. Luke, a witch scholar, unexpectedly arrives with his young sister Posey, who has magic and autism. Roo-Roo, a zombie rooster, and Clemmy, a fox, also live at the inn. Found family is a major theme, and Sera tries to make the inn as welcoming as possible when apple tea may rain down on any given Sunday.

There are two possible romances developing, an ex-friend seeking forgiveness, a power-hungry wizard who will do anything to thwart Sera’s plans, and some adventure and danger in store. A delightfully creaky old house and a charming cast of characters greatly add to the story’s appeal.

Brenda

The Witch Roads

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The Witch Roads by Kate Elliott

Elen is a deputy courier, delivering messages to small towns and settlements along the same route each month. For part of the month, she’s back home in Orledder Halt, with her teen nephew Kem. Elen can detect and root out new irruptions of Spore. This time Kem is accompanying her on the route, to see if he also wants to be a courier. His Declaration Day is just around the corner. Kem’s mother Aoving died two years ago during an avalanche, while working as a midwife at the Heart Temple. The avalanche has cut Orledder Halt off from travel to the north, except for a secret pathway through the hills and across a canyon.

Two groups of important travelers arrive in Orledder Halt. From one, Kem learns that his father is a lord. The second group includes Prince Gevulin, who’s heading north. Kem, considering being a Warden, joins Prince Gevulin’s group, as does Elen, who knows the hazardous route. Kem is angry with Elen for keeping secrets from him, even after his mother’s death. A guardian statue’s spirit, or haunt, secretly joins the group. Elen has the lowest status of the group and often has to sleep and eat separately from the others. But a simple bed and a full belly remind Elen of the hungry years when Ao and El, orphaned child atoners, were always in danger of the Spore until their daring escape.

This is a memorable journey through an amazing world with many dangers, wonders, and not-quite-human beings. The land is so ancient that much of its history has become myth. Elen and the haunt have some very interesting conversations. I eagerly await Elen and Kem’s further adventures. Epic fantasy readers will likely enjoy this duology, to be concluded this November with The Nameless Roads. The author has two dozen other fantasy works, which I don’t think I’ve read, but look forward to sampling.

Brenda

The Grimoire Grammar School Parent Teacher Association

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The Grimoire Grammar School Parent Teacher Association by Caitlin Rozakis

Hard to put down, this contemporary fantasy novel is full of drama, humor, suspense, and guilt. Vivian has felt guilty since she couldn’t prevent her daughter Aria becoming a werewolf. Vivian and Daniel have relocated to a mostly magical town in New England, where Aria is starting kindergarten at a private school. Daniel is still commuting to New York City by train while accountant Vivian is helping Aria adjust to her new surroundings and trying to fit in as a non-magical parent. Of course, Vivian ends up on the PTA board, trying to sort out the accounts from last year’s gala.

While Aria was granted a scholarship for kindergarten, Vivian is dismayed to learn that Aria must participate in three events to determine if she will qualify for first grade: a talent show, a sports day, and a research project. It is rather ridiculous to have a kindergartner be expected to do anything except learn to stay in her human form more often and not to be too hard on her clothes. Vivian is told that a consultant can help, if needed. Then there’s Daniel, who is ready to move the family somewhere more welcoming, if they can find the right place. Oh, and there’s an ominous prophecy that might involve Aria or Vivian. Aria is adorable, the community is quite interesting, and the reader hopes that Vivian will learn which parents can be trusted and welcoming.

An excellent, immersive read. I’m not sure if it would be quite as enjoyable for a PTA parent in a new town, but they might find it hilarious. I haven’t even described the over-the-top kids’ birthday parties, or the magical gala. And why have I never seen a book set at a magical school from the point of view of an ordinary parent, or even a magical parent?

Brenda

The Rainfall Market

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The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-Gwang

A charming Korean cozy fantasy, a quick and pleasant read. Teen Serin writes a letter detailing what she’d like to change in her somewhat dreary life, and receives a golden ticket to the magical Rainfall Market in Rainbow Town. The Market is full of dokkaebi, which turn out to be goblins, and are described in an illustrated glossary. Other than Taekwondo and listening to music, Serin doesn’t have any hobbies. Her mother is a seamstress and they are poor.

When a week of rain is predicted, the market opens for the lucky people with tickets. Serin has many adventures at the market, accompanied by Issha, a magical cat guide. There is a little hint of Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory about the market and Serin’s adventures. Other then the dokkaebi, there are few Korean words, making for easy reading. I love the cover, really liked the ending, and was surprised to find out that the author is male. I would definitely read another cozy adventure like The Rainfall Market, especially on a rainy day.

Brenda

Clouds & Curses

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Clouds & Curses: Tales of Rydding Village Book 3 by Shanna Swendson

Readers of cozy fantasy novels set in small villages will enjoy the Rydding Village series. In this novel, Ceri, Lady Parcells, comes back home after many years with her daughter, Lili. Ceri’s husband has died and left everything to his children from his first marriage. Ceri’s mother, Mistress Teague, is the most disliked lady in Rydding, and is a complete snob. Ceri was in love with Daryn as a teen, but her mother persuaded her to marry an older nobleman.

Ceri and Lili have an affinity for animals, and bring their cat and dog with them. Ceri can calm horses, though she doesn’t believe in magic. There is some mystery in Rydding. Lights are seen in the distant castle, but no one is ever there. The harvests the past several years seem to be cursed, with rain falling at the worst times. Wyn, the healer who runs a tea shop is slowly starting a romance with Bryn, who runs the small inn and studies magic. Mair, who runs the dairy and sells cheese, is not happy that Ceri is back in town, but Wyn, a newcomer, is more understanding. Ceri actually apologizes for her past mistakes.

Ceri meets Daryn again, and there are definite sparks. Could he still care for her after all these years? Together, the villagers try different methods to harvest the hay and wheat and save the crops. Ceri learns that she can stand up to her mother, especially concerning Lili’s future, and becomes more connected to the village. Some storylines have satisfying conclusions while others will be continued in the next Rydding Village book. The first novel is Tea and Empathy.

Brenda

Somewhere Beyond the Sea

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Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune

The sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea is a satisfying read. Six magical children live with Linus and Arthur on Marsyas Island. Originally an orphanage, Linus and Arthur want to officially adopt all the children. Arthur is summoned to give testimony to DICOMY, the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, and asked about his own unhappy childhood, and his magical powers as a very magnificent phoenix. After his testimony, Arthur and Linus visit a potential new member of their family, 10-year-old David, who’s a yeti.

David likes to act, especially classic private detective scenes. He also likes to scare people, but not to hurt them. Lucy, 7, loves music, including Ella Fitzgerald and Elvis, and learns that David does as well. Lucy is developing his skills and learning what makes him calm.

Miss Harriet Marblemaw is sent to the island to investigate conditions, but is being directed by Jeanine Rowder, friend to absolutely no one on the island, including Zoë, the sprite who oversees the island and village. Themes include found family, embracing diversity, a sweet romance between Arthur and Linus, fun adventures with the kids, and the growing acceptance of the villagers for the island’s children. The magical children continue to delight. This is a sure bet for fans of The House in the Cerulean Sea.

Brenda

The City Beyond the Sea

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Greenwild: The City Beyond the Sea by Pari Thomson

Iffenwild is a wondrous city, part of the Marin Deep, with blue water magic. It’s only a legend to those in the Greenwild, first introduced in Greenwild: The World Behind the Door. Botanists in Amazeria are in danger, and want the Greenwilders to come with help from Iffenwild.

Daisy, the Prof, and Indigo travel to the Moonmarket and sneak onto the Nautilus, one of four theater ships headed to Iffenwild to perform for the city residents and their duchess. Also on board is Max, who’s been ill most of his life and was recently kidnapped by the Grim Reapers. Max and Daisy clash; they have similar personalities. Daisy’s cat, Napoleon, is a help and a comfort, as is Indigo’s parakeet. Daisy struggles to control her green magic, while Max is recovering his strength and secretly learning how to swim. Max, in disguise, gets a walk on role in the Nautilus company’s play, and spends time in a storeroom with a magical memory tree.

The theater, ships, water horses and the land/sea combination of Iffenwild enchant. While dark in parts, this page turning middle grade fantasy novel is a very satisfying read. The depiction and use of magic here is delightful. Some people have power with plants or water, there are magical animals, and there are magical fruits, seeds, leaves, and vines. Excellent! A sequel, The Forest in the Sky, is expected next summer.

Brenda

Uprooted

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Uprooted by Naomi Novik

Dark, with marvelous storytelling, this fantasy novel is decidedly NOT cozy, and not recommended for bedtime reading. It is also very unlike the Temeraire series by Novik in which Temeraire is a dragon bonded to a naval captain in the Napoleonic Wars. Her book Spinning Silver is probably a good readalike, but I haven’t read it (yet).

Agnieska grows up in the village of Dvernik, in a valley near the Wood, which is a very scary place. Agnieska’s friend Kasia is beautiful and is sure to be chosen by the Dragon, a wizard named Sarkan, when they are 17. When Agnieska the untidy and untalented is chosen instead, it’s a shock to the village, the girls, and their mothers. Every ten years a girl is chosen from the valley villages, later they have enough education and money to move to the city and be independent.

Agnieska was chosen because she has magic. Her magic isn’t like Sarkan’s, and her first months in the Tower are a struggle. Then Wensa, Kasia’s mother, comes for help. Kasia’s been taken to the Wood. A book of spells by Jaga (aka Baba Yaga) may be helpful.

So, the adventures begin, in the Wood, the Tower, and in the heart of the Kingdom, when the Queen comes out of the wood. Kasia and Agnieska, plus a little prince and princess, are the heart of this compelling, spellbinding story.

Brenda