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Windy City Magic #1
The Best Kind of Magic
Amber Sand is not a witch. The Sand family Wicca gene somehow leapfrogged over her. But she did get one highly specific magical talent: she can see true love. As a matchmaker, Amber's pretty far down the sorcery food chain (even birthday party magicians rank higher), but after five seconds of eye contact, she can envision anyone's soul mate.
Amber works at her mother's magic shop--Windy City Magic--in downtown Chicago, and she's confident she's seen every kind of happy ending there is: except for one--her own. (The Fates are tricky jerks that way.) So when Charlie Blitzman, the mayor's son and most-desired boy in school, comes to her for help finding his father's missing girlfriend, she's distressed to find herself falling for him. Because while she can't see her own match, she can see his--and it's not Amber. How can she, an honest peddler of true love, pursue a boy she knows full well isn't her match?
The Best Kind of Magic is set in urban Chicago and will appeal to readers who long for magic in the real world. With a sharp-witted and sassy heroine, a quirky cast of mystical beings, and a heady dose of adventure, this novel will have you laughing out loud and questioning your belief in happy endings.
Amber works at her mother's magic shop--Windy City Magic--in downtown Chicago, and she's confident she's seen every kind of happy ending there is: except for one--her own. (The Fates are tricky jerks that way.) So when Charlie Blitzman, the mayor's son and most-desired boy in school, comes to her for help finding his father's missing girlfriend, she's distressed to find herself falling for him. Because while she can't see her own match, she can see his--and it's not Amber. How can she, an honest peddler of true love, pursue a boy she knows full well isn't her match?
The Best Kind of Magic is set in urban Chicago and will appeal to readers who long for magic in the real world. With a sharp-witted and sassy heroine, a quirky cast of mystical beings, and a heady dose of adventure, this novel will have you laughing out loud and questioning your belief in happy endings.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published May 16, 2017
104 people are currently reading
4773 people want to read
About the author
Crystal Cestari
8 books302 followersOh hey! Thanks for stopping by!
Writing has been my jam since I was very young. In fact, in fifth grade we filled out a profile declaring what we would be doing as adults. I wrote I wanted to be an author because: "I love reading and stories, and want to share that love." My elementary-school self was very wise, because that sentiment holds true today.
I live just outside Chicago with my daughter. My likes include ice cream and bulldogs, and dislikes span from broccoli to wet sneakers on linoleum (the worst). I always carry around a notebook to scribble down ideas. Writing longhand works best for me (even though it's the slowest method ever) because looking at a blank piece of paper is somehow less intimidating than a blank screen. Plus, there are so many pretty notebooks and pens to doodle with!
The Best Kind of Magic is my first YA novel, and I can't wait to share it! Shoot me a message if you'd like; happy reading, fellow Goodreader!
Writing has been my jam since I was very young. In fact, in fifth grade we filled out a profile declaring what we would be doing as adults. I wrote I wanted to be an author because: "I love reading and stories, and want to share that love." My elementary-school self was very wise, because that sentiment holds true today.
I live just outside Chicago with my daughter. My likes include ice cream and bulldogs, and dislikes span from broccoli to wet sneakers on linoleum (the worst). I always carry around a notebook to scribble down ideas. Writing longhand works best for me (even though it's the slowest method ever) because looking at a blank piece of paper is somehow less intimidating than a blank screen. Plus, there are so many pretty notebooks and pens to doodle with!
The Best Kind of Magic is my first YA novel, and I can't wait to share it! Shoot me a message if you'd like; happy reading, fellow Goodreader!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 524 reviews
January 5, 2020
A cozy witchy read and on nothing less than the subject of true love and soulmates. Just the way I like them.
Q:
While I may not have the swagger or power of your everyday witch, I’ve come to realize that what I can do is still pretty badass: I can see true love.
I don’t mean the chocolate-covered, mushy-gushy signs of love, but real, destined-to-happen happy endings. All I need is five seconds of eye contact, and I’ll envision anyone’s soul mate.
I’m a matchmaker. (c)
Q:
Sirens are notoriously manipulative, probably because their gift comes with an expiration date. It is physically impossible to be so beautiful and powerful their entire lives, so they are forced to rely on a concentrated dose of influence. Ivy, being the one-woman brain trust that she is, decided to use up her power in high school; a poor choice if you ask me. Why be a world leader or cure cancer when you can spend your time standing on top of human pyramids and lying underneath idiotic football players? (c)
Q:
Someday I will get out of here and meet someone amazing and live happily ever after. Or not. In which case I’ll move in with Amani and her future husband and force them to adopt me. (c)
Q:
After all, baking is really not so different from magic. Both require a basic understanding of the craft; a willingness to experiment and manipulate an existing selection of variables and ingredients. Balance, patience, and creativity are needed from both witches and bakers, and isn’t the perfect recipe just an edible spell? (c)
Q:
Two years ago, I was cornered at night by a vampire who was afraid he’d just drained the love of his life. Spoiler alert: he had. I remember the blood on his lips as he came at me, furious at my confirmation. Luckily, I had mace in my pocket... (c)
Q:
...wanting someone based on something as trivial and fleeting as social standing is so empty and sad... (c)
Q:
They try to look casual, pretending not to see the object of their affection, but they may as well be lifting their shirts to get his attention.
“Wow, it’s like your own paparazzi, only less subtle,” I say, giving the girls a wave. They scowl back. Delightful.
“Yeah, it’s the reason I get out of bed in the morning,” he deadpans. “So where can I meet you?” (c)
Q:
“So you accept witchcraft as reality, but you draw the line at matchmaking?” (c)
Q:
If you are lucky enough to find love, you should celebrate it. You should shout it from the rooftops, or sing it in a song, or compete in a reality show to make your dream comes true. You shouldn’t let love pass by unnoticed, especially because there are many who will never experience it. Like this girl right here. (c)
Q:
“You guys are joking, right?”
Amani and I share a glance. “I think you’d know if we were telling jokes,” I say.
“Yeah, we’re really funny people,” Amani replies. (c)
Q:
So we almost got eaten alive, so what? Somehow being around a bunch of monsters made me feel like more of a person. (c)
Q:
“Where are you? It sounds like there’s hyenas mauling each other in the background.”
“Nah, just a couple of vamps hooking up.”
“Oh. So you’re in a bordello?”
“Yup. Just a regular Monday night.” (c)
Q:
“You never know what you’re getting into when you fall in love, but that doesn’t mean you avoid the jump.” (c)
Q:
I know people say you should live every day like it’s your last, but sometimes it’s nice to do absolutely nothing; the lack of activity recharges you for whatever lies ahead. (c)
Q:
While I may not have the swagger or power of your everyday witch, I’ve come to realize that what I can do is still pretty badass: I can see true love.
I don’t mean the chocolate-covered, mushy-gushy signs of love, but real, destined-to-happen happy endings. All I need is five seconds of eye contact, and I’ll envision anyone’s soul mate.
I’m a matchmaker. (c)
Q:
Sirens are notoriously manipulative, probably because their gift comes with an expiration date. It is physically impossible to be so beautiful and powerful their entire lives, so they are forced to rely on a concentrated dose of influence. Ivy, being the one-woman brain trust that she is, decided to use up her power in high school; a poor choice if you ask me. Why be a world leader or cure cancer when you can spend your time standing on top of human pyramids and lying underneath idiotic football players? (c)
Q:
Someday I will get out of here and meet someone amazing and live happily ever after. Or not. In which case I’ll move in with Amani and her future husband and force them to adopt me. (c)
Q:
After all, baking is really not so different from magic. Both require a basic understanding of the craft; a willingness to experiment and manipulate an existing selection of variables and ingredients. Balance, patience, and creativity are needed from both witches and bakers, and isn’t the perfect recipe just an edible spell? (c)
Q:
Two years ago, I was cornered at night by a vampire who was afraid he’d just drained the love of his life. Spoiler alert: he had. I remember the blood on his lips as he came at me, furious at my confirmation. Luckily, I had mace in my pocket... (c)
Q:
...wanting someone based on something as trivial and fleeting as social standing is so empty and sad... (c)
Q:
They try to look casual, pretending not to see the object of their affection, but they may as well be lifting their shirts to get his attention.
“Wow, it’s like your own paparazzi, only less subtle,” I say, giving the girls a wave. They scowl back. Delightful.
“Yeah, it’s the reason I get out of bed in the morning,” he deadpans. “So where can I meet you?” (c)
Q:
“So you accept witchcraft as reality, but you draw the line at matchmaking?” (c)
Q:
If you are lucky enough to find love, you should celebrate it. You should shout it from the rooftops, or sing it in a song, or compete in a reality show to make your dream comes true. You shouldn’t let love pass by unnoticed, especially because there are many who will never experience it. Like this girl right here. (c)
Q:
“You guys are joking, right?”
Amani and I share a glance. “I think you’d know if we were telling jokes,” I say.
“Yeah, we’re really funny people,” Amani replies. (c)
Q:
So we almost got eaten alive, so what? Somehow being around a bunch of monsters made me feel like more of a person. (c)
Q:
“Where are you? It sounds like there’s hyenas mauling each other in the background.”
“Nah, just a couple of vamps hooking up.”
“Oh. So you’re in a bordello?”
“Yup. Just a regular Monday night.” (c)
Q:
“You never know what you’re getting into when you fall in love, but that doesn’t mean you avoid the jump.” (c)
Q:
I know people say you should live every day like it’s your last, but sometimes it’s nice to do absolutely nothing; the lack of activity recharges you for whatever lies ahead. (c)
August 23, 2018
Amber Sand comes from a family of witches but is not a witch herself. Amber does have her own unique gift however, seeing people's true match. Amber works in her mother's magic shop in downtown Chicago answering people's questions about their love life, putting her gift to use. Things get complicated for Amber when her mom's best friend's son Charlie Blitzman comes to her to help him find his dad's missing girlfriend. As the two try to solve the mystery together, Amber runs into questions about her own gift and it's limits and her insecurities of lacking the same powers her mother has.
I thought the book was really cute but it's one of those books where again it was totally not written with me as the intended audience. It's clearly aimed at younger teens and they might even enjoy it much more than I did. It does deal with a lot of themes that are relevant to growing up, like contending with one's parent's expectations of who they ought to be and the reality of who a person is and reconciling the two. Also the whole dynamic of relationships and whether they're worthwhile pursuing if they're not lasting is one that is understandable even for those of us who don't know who everyone's soulmate is going to be.
I did find it a little hokey though when reading the book, just the characterization of teenagers in the beginning felt like a bit much. Also it felt pretty predictable where the book was going and I just couldn't get on board with the ending. I know it was setting up for a sequel but it still felt a little sloppy the way it jut plays out. I just think at this point I've read enough that I can't enjoy a book like this anymore and I've outgrown books about teenagers because they just behave in ways that don't really feel right even if I can understand their behavior and sympathize with it. Like Amber's insistence her mother tell her everything felt kind of ridiculous.
It was an okay book, something that might be much more enjoyable for younger teens than an decrepit twenty-something like me.
I thought the book was really cute but it's one of those books where again it was totally not written with me as the intended audience. It's clearly aimed at younger teens and they might even enjoy it much more than I did. It does deal with a lot of themes that are relevant to growing up, like contending with one's parent's expectations of who they ought to be and the reality of who a person is and reconciling the two. Also the whole dynamic of relationships and whether they're worthwhile pursuing if they're not lasting is one that is understandable even for those of us who don't know who everyone's soulmate is going to be.
I did find it a little hokey though when reading the book, just the characterization of teenagers in the beginning felt like a bit much. Also it felt pretty predictable where the book was going and I just couldn't get on board with the ending. I know it was setting up for a sequel but it still felt a little sloppy the way it jut plays out. I just think at this point I've read enough that I can't enjoy a book like this anymore and I've outgrown books about teenagers because they just behave in ways that don't really feel right even if I can understand their behavior and sympathize with it. Like Amber's insistence her mother tell her everything felt kind of ridiculous.
It was an okay book, something that might be much more enjoyable for younger teens than an decrepit twenty-something like me.
June 5, 2022
This was a really cute debut about Amber Sands, a witch from a family of witches, who unfortunately hasn’t inherited her mother’s awesome witchy powers. What she does have is the abilities of a matchmaker. She can stare into your eyes and see the person who is your true love. Interesting scenario! Except trouble ensues when Amber finally meets a boy she truly likes, Charlie, and she can see the girl in his happy future… who isn’t her.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Amber and Charlie, and also the witch-y paranormal stuff. Crystal Cestari has a great writing voice. Very funny. The teenage drama with her mom was classic with witch-like complications of course. There is also a mystery to be solved, and a cool best friend, who I liked as well. Will definitely be reading book two!
I really enjoyed the relationship between Amber and Charlie, and also the witch-y paranormal stuff. Crystal Cestari has a great writing voice. Very funny. The teenage drama with her mom was classic with witch-like complications of course. There is also a mystery to be solved, and a cool best friend, who I liked as well. Will definitely be reading book two!
April 18, 2017
This is an eARC, all opinions are my own.
DNF @ 25%
I don't like to not finish ARC's. I feel rude. I feel unworthy. However, I couldn't deal with this one. I could see what the author was going for and I was so excited for witches. 14 year old me desperately wanted to read anything with a witch in it. I loved the idea. Hell, I wanted to be a witch. Unfortunately, I am not and double unfortunately this book was falling super flat for me.
The protagonist, who's name I wouldn't be able to remember if she hadn't shared it with me, is so boring. She truly was the most annoying character. I swear, she complained about almost everything. I know, sounds very similar to myself. Unfortunately, I don't want to read about myself with the lack of bitchy flare (something I love about myself). It felt incredibly targeted for a younger audience, and I know I would have loved this six years ago.
I overall had a general idea of where the story was going, but I just wasn't interested in the slightest. I was 25% in and couldn't care about a single character, plot point, or useless conversation. I may come back to this on release day, to see if my opinions have changed. But, for now, its a no from me.
DNF @ 25%
I don't like to not finish ARC's. I feel rude. I feel unworthy. However, I couldn't deal with this one. I could see what the author was going for and I was so excited for witches. 14 year old me desperately wanted to read anything with a witch in it. I loved the idea. Hell, I wanted to be a witch. Unfortunately, I am not and double unfortunately this book was falling super flat for me.
The protagonist, who's name I wouldn't be able to remember if she hadn't shared it with me, is so boring. She truly was the most annoying character. I swear, she complained about almost everything. I know, sounds very similar to myself. Unfortunately, I don't want to read about myself with the lack of bitchy flare (something I love about myself). It felt incredibly targeted for a younger audience, and I know I would have loved this six years ago.
I overall had a general idea of where the story was going, but I just wasn't interested in the slightest. I was 25% in and couldn't care about a single character, plot point, or useless conversation. I may come back to this on release day, to see if my opinions have changed. But, for now, its a no from me.
April 29, 2018
“The merging of two lives, the threshold of possibility: it's an energy unlike anything else.”
Me? Like an ooey-gooey romantic novel? Never! Ok a little... OK OK, I LOVED IT. Stop hassling me!
Yep, you heard it here. I have found an adorable love story that doesn't make me roll my eyes cynically every five seconds. You guessed it, I'm not really someone who reads light/romantic contemporary novels and that is what this book is at its core. I think that there was a fantasy element mixed in kept me interested the whole way. Also, the author cites characters like Buffy Summers and Veronica Mars for the inspiration of her main character so it was a match made in heaven for me.
The main character, Amber, is a matchmaker - she looks into your eyes and can see your soulmate. She is basically at the bottom of the barrel in terms of magical gifts but seems mostly happy with her power. Amber is a very sassy, optimistic but pessimistic (totally possible - I do it frequently!) young woman and she works at a magic shop run by her mother (who is a full blown witch). I loved the environment the story took place in - yes some were normal locations but then you had the magic shop with the coven getting together there - not to mention a shady club for those who are not quite human. We get some witches, vampires, sirens and some other fun magical creatures that I won't ruin the surprise on. The setting really helped the feel of the book for me.
The love interest, Charlie, is also a complete delight. I can imagine being 17 and swept off my feet by this loner/cool-kid. His description sounds like a trope but somehow the author manages to keep his character fresh and believable. I was rooting for Amber and Charlie all through the book and even though they hit some pretty rough bumps in the road - I was glad I followed along for their journey.
The other part I appreciated about this book was that it featured a strong female friendship, which is something that is getting more common in the YA category but still lacking so that was great. Also, Amber had a fantastic, interesting single mother. Her mom wasn't trying to be her daughter's friend - she was a mom but a good one! She made mistakes, said things that she shouldn't sometimes but at the end of the day she loved her daughter and it was really great seeing their relationship slowly grow. More of this in YA please!!!
Bottom line - feeling like something really light but don't exactly want to go into the real world with contemporary? Try this book. You stay in a fantasy setting but still get a huge dose of adorable and fun.
Me? Like an ooey-gooey romantic novel? Never! Ok a little... OK OK, I LOVED IT. Stop hassling me!
Yep, you heard it here. I have found an adorable love story that doesn't make me roll my eyes cynically every five seconds. You guessed it, I'm not really someone who reads light/romantic contemporary novels and that is what this book is at its core. I think that there was a fantasy element mixed in kept me interested the whole way. Also, the author cites characters like Buffy Summers and Veronica Mars for the inspiration of her main character so it was a match made in heaven for me.
The main character, Amber, is a matchmaker - she looks into your eyes and can see your soulmate. She is basically at the bottom of the barrel in terms of magical gifts but seems mostly happy with her power. Amber is a very sassy, optimistic but pessimistic (totally possible - I do it frequently!) young woman and she works at a magic shop run by her mother (who is a full blown witch). I loved the environment the story took place in - yes some were normal locations but then you had the magic shop with the coven getting together there - not to mention a shady club for those who are not quite human. We get some witches, vampires, sirens and some other fun magical creatures that I won't ruin the surprise on. The setting really helped the feel of the book for me.
The love interest, Charlie, is also a complete delight. I can imagine being 17 and swept off my feet by this loner/cool-kid. His description sounds like a trope but somehow the author manages to keep his character fresh and believable. I was rooting for Amber and Charlie all through the book and even though they hit some pretty rough bumps in the road - I was glad I followed along for their journey.
The other part I appreciated about this book was that it featured a strong female friendship, which is something that is getting more common in the YA category but still lacking so that was great. Also, Amber had a fantastic, interesting single mother. Her mom wasn't trying to be her daughter's friend - she was a mom but a good one! She made mistakes, said things that she shouldn't sometimes but at the end of the day she loved her daughter and it was really great seeing their relationship slowly grow. More of this in YA please!!!
Bottom line - feeling like something really light but don't exactly want to go into the real world with contemporary? Try this book. You stay in a fantasy setting but still get a huge dose of adorable and fun.
February 14, 2018
I AM SO IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK. I have only read a few magic realism novels, but hey, it might actually be my thing because I really enjoyed reading those books.
Wanting to find love does not make someone weak; it's not a character flaw. Life is hard, and grueling, and having someone root for you and travel beside you is a gift that anyone in this world would be lucky to have. I'm not saying that people can't be happy or fulfilled on their own; of course they can. But being open to the possibility of love doesn't make you weak; it actually makes you strong.
There's so much LOVE in this book. I LOVE reading about LOVE. This book is so adorable and fluffy and I want to turn it into a vanilla-flavored marshmallow and eat it.
THE COVER! LOOK AT THE COVER! IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL, AMIRITE? (Spoiler: YES.)
The whole "matchmaker" concept is so cool. Amber has the ability to find out who your soulmate is by looking into your eyes. COOLEST. THING. EVER. I have no idea why some witches think they are so much better than matchmakers because BRUH, NO OFFENSE, BUT MATCHMAKERS ARE WAY COOLER THAN WITCHES.
+ I adore Amber, the MC because she is so sassy and aaahh I love her comebacks and how she responds to rude and mean people (or people who get upset when they find out their match is not the person they like, then lash out to Amber and call her a b*tch). + It's so cool that she manages a little booth in her mom's magic store and tells people who their soulmates are!
Charlie and Amber are so cute together <3 All through the book it's obvious they have feelings for each other and I was like, JUST FREAKING CONFESS YOUR LOVE TO EACH OTHER ALREADY!!!! It is really great to see how their relationship develops - those two are super awkward at first, but as they spend more time together, they get more comfortable around each other.
*me when I get to the part where Charlie puts his hand on top of Amber's
I REALLY DO HOPE THEY GET A HAPPY ENDING.
Overall rating
★★★★
This is so adorable omg go read it.
Wanting to find love does not make someone weak; it's not a character flaw. Life is hard, and grueling, and having someone root for you and travel beside you is a gift that anyone in this world would be lucky to have. I'm not saying that people can't be happy or fulfilled on their own; of course they can. But being open to the possibility of love doesn't make you weak; it actually makes you strong.
There's so much LOVE in this book. I LOVE reading about LOVE. This book is so adorable and fluffy and I want to turn it into a vanilla-flavored marshmallow and eat it.
THE COVER! LOOK AT THE COVER! IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL, AMIRITE? (Spoiler: YES.)
The whole "matchmaker" concept is so cool. Amber has the ability to find out who your soulmate is by looking into your eyes. COOLEST. THING. EVER. I have no idea why some witches think they are so much better than matchmakers because BRUH, NO OFFENSE, BUT MATCHMAKERS ARE WAY COOLER THAN WITCHES.
+ I adore Amber, the MC because she is so sassy and aaahh I love her comebacks and how she responds to rude and mean people (or people who get upset when they find out their match is not the person they like, then lash out to Amber and call her a b*tch). + It's so cool that she manages a little booth in her mom's magic store and tells people who their soulmates are!
Charlie and Amber are so cute together <3 All through the book it's obvious they have feelings for each other and I was like, JUST FREAKING CONFESS YOUR LOVE TO EACH OTHER ALREADY!!!! It is really great to see how their relationship develops - those two are super awkward at first, but as they spend more time together, they get more comfortable around each other.
*me when I get to the part where Charlie puts his hand on top of Amber's
I REALLY DO HOPE THEY GET A HAPPY ENDING.
Overall rating
★★★★
This is so adorable omg go read it.
May 18, 2017
* I RECEIVED A FREE COPY FOR THE BLOG TOUR*
FOR THE GIVEAWAY VISIT MY BLOG (US/CANADA ONLY) http://karinysteenbooxfrenz.blogspot....
Amber's not the happiest person on the planet. Coming from a line of powerful witches she isn't thrilled with being a lowly matchmaker that witches look down on. She isn't allowed into the coven or into any of the witch traditions because she isn't considered to a be a witch...*Ouch*. But when the mayor's son comes to her for help to find his future step mom who's suddenly gone missing, she can't help but agree and prove to everyone that a lowly matchmaker managed to be a hero. But she already knows who Charlie's true love is and the more time she spends with him, the more she falls for him...and the more she gets visions of his true love and their future together.
The blurb of this book caught my attention instantly and i knew i just had to sign up for this tour! I mean come on a girl falling for a guy while she can see his soulmate the entire time? Consider me intrigued!
"Do you know how hard it is to make out with someone when all you can picture is his wedding to someone else? I'd have to be blackout drunk to keep those visions from coming, and what would be the point of that?"
From the moment i started the book with Amber's narration, i knew this would be good. She's snarky and hilarious and quite bitter. I liked that balance in her character. Some characters in books are sarcastic and bitter just for the sake of it but Amber's backstory really explained why she was like that. Although she had full trust in her powers, she was completely excluded from her family heritage because she wasn't considered worthy enough to be a witch. She's happy with who she is but she just wants to be included but her mom and the rest of the coven still wished she was something other than a matchmaker. And all that kind of pushed her to be this character who masks her hurt with dry humor and sarcasm.
"'Maybe you're not a witch, but you're definitely a bitch.' Remind me to get that on my tombstone."
The romance really had this "doomed from the start" thing going on but you just couldn't help but like it-it was just so adorable! Amber can't see her own true love but she does believe in love. It's hard for her to watch people come to her to confirm that they are indeed dating/marrying their true love while she feels like she'll never have that. Being rich Charlie has had his fair share of girls throwing themselves at him but he prefers to stay clear of it all. He was a very "no BS" guy who was perfectly content with his own company. Both of them come out of that solitude they confined themselves too and start to get to know each other better.
Charlie was so cute! He wasn't your typical bad boy that we usually see in YA but a kind and kind of solitary guy that happens to be insanely rich and wears glasses! I had to point out that he wears glasses cause we don't see a lot of people with glasses in YA!
I really really hope Amani, Amber's best friend, gets her own book at some point! She a super interesting character that has visions of the future but the visions aren't really a happy experience for her. She doesn't really like her magic and so she tries to avoid it. Add that to sexy, rich and flirty vampire bar owner as her true love with a little plot twist and this book would rock!
If you're looking for a heavy book filed with plot twists, wars and complications then this isn't it. But if you want a fresh, light, funny and sweet contemporary read with a dash of supernatural and adventure then i would highly recommend this one! It can be read as a standalone but the author left a little plot twist in there and i'm definitely keeping up with book 2 because i'm really invested with these characters and i can't wait to see what's gonna happen to them next!
FOR THE GIVEAWAY VISIT MY BLOG (US/CANADA ONLY) http://karinysteenbooxfrenz.blogspot....
Amber's not the happiest person on the planet. Coming from a line of powerful witches she isn't thrilled with being a lowly matchmaker that witches look down on. She isn't allowed into the coven or into any of the witch traditions because she isn't considered to a be a witch...*Ouch*. But when the mayor's son comes to her for help to find his future step mom who's suddenly gone missing, she can't help but agree and prove to everyone that a lowly matchmaker managed to be a hero. But she already knows who Charlie's true love is and the more time she spends with him, the more she falls for him...and the more she gets visions of his true love and their future together.
The blurb of this book caught my attention instantly and i knew i just had to sign up for this tour! I mean come on a girl falling for a guy while she can see his soulmate the entire time? Consider me intrigued!
"Do you know how hard it is to make out with someone when all you can picture is his wedding to someone else? I'd have to be blackout drunk to keep those visions from coming, and what would be the point of that?"
From the moment i started the book with Amber's narration, i knew this would be good. She's snarky and hilarious and quite bitter. I liked that balance in her character. Some characters in books are sarcastic and bitter just for the sake of it but Amber's backstory really explained why she was like that. Although she had full trust in her powers, she was completely excluded from her family heritage because she wasn't considered worthy enough to be a witch. She's happy with who she is but she just wants to be included but her mom and the rest of the coven still wished she was something other than a matchmaker. And all that kind of pushed her to be this character who masks her hurt with dry humor and sarcasm.
"'Maybe you're not a witch, but you're definitely a bitch.' Remind me to get that on my tombstone."
The romance really had this "doomed from the start" thing going on but you just couldn't help but like it-it was just so adorable! Amber can't see her own true love but she does believe in love. It's hard for her to watch people come to her to confirm that they are indeed dating/marrying their true love while she feels like she'll never have that. Being rich Charlie has had his fair share of girls throwing themselves at him but he prefers to stay clear of it all. He was a very "no BS" guy who was perfectly content with his own company. Both of them come out of that solitude they confined themselves too and start to get to know each other better.
Charlie was so cute! He wasn't your typical bad boy that we usually see in YA but a kind and kind of solitary guy that happens to be insanely rich and wears glasses! I had to point out that he wears glasses cause we don't see a lot of people with glasses in YA!
I really really hope Amani, Amber's best friend, gets her own book at some point! She a super interesting character that has visions of the future but the visions aren't really a happy experience for her. She doesn't really like her magic and so she tries to avoid it. Add that to sexy, rich and flirty vampire bar owner as her true love with a little plot twist and this book would rock!
If you're looking for a heavy book filed with plot twists, wars and complications then this isn't it. But if you want a fresh, light, funny and sweet contemporary read with a dash of supernatural and adventure then i would highly recommend this one! It can be read as a standalone but the author left a little plot twist in there and i'm definitely keeping up with book 2 because i'm really invested with these characters and i can't wait to see what's gonna happen to them next!
May 25, 2022
This was super cute! I didnt know how much id like it when i downloaded it but its surprised me💖
May 8, 2019
I liked the voice. Amber's matter-of-fact, sarcastic, joke-dropping, sassy, and a little self-depreciating style resonated with me, as did the setting -- my parents are from Chicago.
I thoroughly enjoyed Amber's snide remarks and sarcastic thoughts throughout. Amber continued to surprise me with her witty reactions, comments, and thoughts, which were not at all repetitive, but flexed according to each new situation.
There's a theme that I found intriguing here as well, and that is the idea of fate. I'm not a fan of fate (or "the fates") predetermining people's destinies. I like to think that people's independent choices determine their destinies. So the whole idea that there is "one true love" for everyone, and this love is predetermined, is for me a bunch of hogwash (put politely in a public forum ;) ).
I am sure that there is more than one ideal mate (probably quite a few), and that each person can decide for himself/herself what s/he wants out of a relationship and life.
So... if this is a possibility, then there is the possibility that Charlie and Amber could side-step "the fates" and choose their own love connection, possibly each other... (Charlie was able to resist the siren in school, so he may be able to resist the fates and their pre-selected mate as well). I think Amber and Charlie have a positive dynamic and I would love to see them laugh in the fates' faces and take control of their own lives.
Some unanswered questions that I hope will be answered in the next installment are:
This was a fun read!
I like the idea of a matchmaker, the low-end of the magical totem pole, and yet... love really is the best kind of magic!
I received a copy of this book from Disney-Hyperion via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
BUDDY READ:Paranormal/Fantasy > The Best Kind of Magic (Amber Sand #1) by Crystal Cestari -- Starting March 16th 2017
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I thoroughly enjoyed Amber's snide remarks and sarcastic thoughts throughout. Amber continued to surprise me with her witty reactions, comments, and thoughts, which were not at all repetitive, but flexed according to each new situation.
There's a theme that I found intriguing here as well, and that is the idea of fate. I'm not a fan of fate (or "the fates") predetermining people's destinies. I like to think that people's independent choices determine their destinies. So the whole idea that there is "one true love" for everyone, and this love is predetermined, is for me a bunch of hogwash (put politely in a public forum ;) ).
I am sure that there is more than one ideal mate (probably quite a few), and that each person can decide for himself/herself what s/he wants out of a relationship and life.
So... if this is a possibility, then there is the possibility that Charlie and Amber could side-step "the fates" and choose their own love connection, possibly each other... (Charlie was able to resist the siren in school, so he may be able to resist the fates and their pre-selected mate as well). I think Amber and Charlie have a positive dynamic and I would love to see them laugh in the fates' faces and take control of their own lives.
Some unanswered questions that I hope will be answered in the next installment are:
This was a fun read!
I like the idea of a matchmaker, the low-end of the magical totem pole, and yet... love really is the best kind of magic!
I received a copy of this book from Disney-Hyperion via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
BUDDY READ:Paranormal/Fantasy > The Best Kind of Magic (Amber Sand #1) by Crystal Cestari -- Starting March 16th 2017
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
February 7, 2021
Oh my, this was so delightfully cute!
First off let me say thanks to ever awesome Miss Kat for turning my head in the direction of this series.
The characters are all so wonderful...especially Amber who has the most amusing personality in the banter she creates I was in stitches a good chunk of this book.
I adore paranormal books and I hadn't read one that was so much fun in ages!
Amber comes from a long line of witches, though the full witchy gene seems to have alluded her.
She does have a super cool trait in that she can tell you who your soulmate is within seconds of meeting your gaze. This becomes a complication when the boy she likes is destined to be with another. Dun dun dunnnnnn.
There is humour, mystery, lots of love matching, tasty baked goods, high school drama, all kinds of Chicago references that just make me wanna go back...and did I mention humour?
So glad I got both books from the library so there is no lag time before I can start the next one.
First off let me say thanks to ever awesome Miss Kat for turning my head in the direction of this series.
The characters are all so wonderful...especially Amber who has the most amusing personality in the banter she creates I was in stitches a good chunk of this book.
I adore paranormal books and I hadn't read one that was so much fun in ages!
Amber comes from a long line of witches, though the full witchy gene seems to have alluded her.
She does have a super cool trait in that she can tell you who your soulmate is within seconds of meeting your gaze. This becomes a complication when the boy she likes is destined to be with another. Dun dun dunnnnnn.
There is humour, mystery, lots of love matching, tasty baked goods, high school drama, all kinds of Chicago references that just make me wanna go back...and did I mention humour?
So glad I got both books from the library so there is no lag time before I can start the next one.
November 28, 2018
Spent the last few weekends savoring this book. A super sarcastic heroine (my fav!) whose magical ability lets her see everyone's soulmate-except her own. This was a light and frothy read, and just the kind of fun escapism entertainment I've been needing. Plan to recommend to teens at my library looking for the same. Can't wait for book 2!
November 15, 2022
Reread November 2022:
Just as adorable and funny as I remembered.
Excited to reread the other two books in the series.
Original Review July 2018:
Oh my, this was so delightfully cute!
First off let me say thanks to ever awesome Miss Kat for turning my head in the direction of this series.
The characters are all so wonderful...especially Amber who has the most amusing personality in the banter she creates I was in stitches a good chunk of this book.
I adore paranormal books and I hadn't read one that was so much fun in ages!
Amber comes from a long line of witches, though the full witchy gene seems to have alluded her.
She does have a super cool trait in that she can tell you who your soulmate is within seconds of meeting your gaze. This becomes a complication when the boy she likes is destined to be with another. Dun dun dunnnnnn.
There is humour, mystery, lots of love matching, tasty baked goods, high school drama, all kinds of Chicago references that just make me wanna go back...and did I mention humour?
So glad I got both books from the library so there is no lag time before I can start the next one.
Just as adorable and funny as I remembered.
Excited to reread the other two books in the series.
Original Review July 2018:
Oh my, this was so delightfully cute!
First off let me say thanks to ever awesome Miss Kat for turning my head in the direction of this series.
The characters are all so wonderful...especially Amber who has the most amusing personality in the banter she creates I was in stitches a good chunk of this book.
I adore paranormal books and I hadn't read one that was so much fun in ages!
Amber comes from a long line of witches, though the full witchy gene seems to have alluded her.
She does have a super cool trait in that she can tell you who your soulmate is within seconds of meeting your gaze. This becomes a complication when the boy she likes is destined to be with another. Dun dun dunnnnnn.
There is humour, mystery, lots of love matching, tasty baked goods, high school drama, all kinds of Chicago references that just make me wanna go back...and did I mention humour?
So glad I got both books from the library so there is no lag time before I can start the next one.
June 28, 2019
3.5/5
Such a cute story!! Amber Sand is a matchmaker, a type of witch with very specific magic. She can see peoples' match when she looks into their eyes. The more time she spends with them, the more specific the image. When an old friend comes asking for help, she can't help but see his match. As they investigate Amber begins to fall for him even when she knows it's pointless. Could the fates be wrong about her gift?
I enjoyed Amber's character. At times, she was a bit annoying, but I loved her determination to try and do things herself and her persistence to help Charlie and his dad. I loved the shenanigans Amber got into with her best friend, who is a pre-cog (she can see visions of the future). Amber's sense of humor and sarcastic comments were my type of humor and made this such a fun read.
I enjoyed the storyline and overall theme of the fates. I'm curious to see what will happen with Amber and Charlie in the next installment.
Such a cute story!! Amber Sand is a matchmaker, a type of witch with very specific magic. She can see peoples' match when she looks into their eyes. The more time she spends with them, the more specific the image. When an old friend comes asking for help, she can't help but see his match. As they investigate Amber begins to fall for him even when she knows it's pointless. Could the fates be wrong about her gift?
I enjoyed Amber's character. At times, she was a bit annoying, but I loved her determination to try and do things herself and her persistence to help Charlie and his dad. I loved the shenanigans Amber got into with her best friend, who is a pre-cog (she can see visions of the future). Amber's sense of humor and sarcastic comments were my type of humor and made this such a fun read.
I enjoyed the storyline and overall theme of the fates. I'm curious to see what will happen with Amber and Charlie in the next installment.
November 14, 2017
ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Rating 4.5 Stars
I had such low expectations for this one so it made it more shocking and thrilling that I really enjoyed it. Once I started the audio of this story I could not stop it I was so drawn in this version of modern day Chicago. Even though I have never been to that city myself Cestari painted a pretty vivid picture without being too overwhelming with details.
What really made this story shine was the main characters Amber, Amani, and Charlie. Amber is a girl after my own heart. Shes snarky, quirky, and not a girl who obsesses over how gorgeous Charlie is. Her own magical gift is also pretty unique as well. I have yet to read a book with a protagonist who has the ability to bring couples together by being able to see their matches besides cupid. It added a really interesting aspect and drove the plot forward. Amani is technically more powerful being able to see the future but its her personality and dynamic with Amber that makes her great. Alot of her and Amber I see in my own friendships that came and went in my high school years as well as college. Its a friendship that is pretty enviable and was painted so real for me. Charlie is also dreamy but thankfully not in the usual way. He's not this arrogant Adonis who strings along the girl. To me he seemed like an ordinary teenager, tall and well built but has a touch of geekiness because of his glasses. He seemed like a genuinely great guy with no nasty ulterior motive, just to really help out his dad and seeking out Amber's help to do it. Plus Amber and Charlie's romance was a nice slow burn with lots of chemistry between them which is refreshing from the common insta-love formula seen in YA books these days (Thanks to that fact I am starting to get super tired of romances in general ugh). I look forward to seeing more of Charlie and Amber gushiness in the sequel.
There is also a different kind of chemistry that is Amber and her mom. Her mom (sorry I'm blanking on her name right now) is not the typical hard ass mom. Yes she can come down on Amber but that was not a big part of her character. It was more of her mom using her gift to make things better and also use it for needed defense. The scene when she practically chokes Victoria to death for trying to hurt Amber was one of my favorite moments. Amber's mom is not to be fucked with that's for sure. There are also purposeful holes in her backstory that I look forward to being hopefully revealed soon.
The plot also needs a lot of praise. Cestari really fleshed it out and made sure to really follow the important writer 101 of the characters wants, the climax, the resolution, etc. That's not an easy feat its not uncommon to for books to have plot but flounder here and there and there are some that have no fleshed out plot at all. The twists were also really brilliant, especially the big one of Charlie not being her match that plaques Amber through the whole book. Then there was the unexpected arrival of Kim, his true match and it added another great twist and another kick in the ass to Amber because we all know how protagonists must suffer constantly or the book would be boring. The best twist of them all is the possible flaw in Amber's match making abilities. She was convinced that Vincent was Amani's match but Amani turned out to not like the guy at all. Not even a little and that opened a whole new door in the plot; that Amber's gift might not be %100 on point all the time so maybe Kim is not Charlie's match. It is a great thought that I'm itching to find out.
There's also the glaring truth that this book did not have a full five stars. That is really because of the very beginning of the book. Amber seemed more whiny than snarky for a good chunk of the first chapters and the plot started off pretty slow when some things could be cut off to make the important parts happen faster. There was also the lack of world-building. Yes its in Chicago but it was never made clear that not just witches existed in this universe. Instead it was offhandedly mentioned when a guy with elf ears comes into a shop that just made it a little jarring for me. I don't think in every universe that has a supernatural creature it should be assumed that all would exist as well so that was a little bit of a problem for me.
Otherwise I'm ready to gobble up the sequel and I have NetGalley to thank for giving me an ARC so I don't have to wait. It really kicks ass to be a librarian sometimes.
Rating 4.5 Stars
I had such low expectations for this one so it made it more shocking and thrilling that I really enjoyed it. Once I started the audio of this story I could not stop it I was so drawn in this version of modern day Chicago. Even though I have never been to that city myself Cestari painted a pretty vivid picture without being too overwhelming with details.
What really made this story shine was the main characters Amber, Amani, and Charlie. Amber is a girl after my own heart. Shes snarky, quirky, and not a girl who obsesses over how gorgeous Charlie is. Her own magical gift is also pretty unique as well. I have yet to read a book with a protagonist who has the ability to bring couples together by being able to see their matches besides cupid. It added a really interesting aspect and drove the plot forward. Amani is technically more powerful being able to see the future but its her personality and dynamic with Amber that makes her great. Alot of her and Amber I see in my own friendships that came and went in my high school years as well as college. Its a friendship that is pretty enviable and was painted so real for me. Charlie is also dreamy but thankfully not in the usual way. He's not this arrogant Adonis who strings along the girl. To me he seemed like an ordinary teenager, tall and well built but has a touch of geekiness because of his glasses. He seemed like a genuinely great guy with no nasty ulterior motive, just to really help out his dad and seeking out Amber's help to do it. Plus Amber and Charlie's romance was a nice slow burn with lots of chemistry between them which is refreshing from the common insta-love formula seen in YA books these days (Thanks to that fact I am starting to get super tired of romances in general ugh). I look forward to seeing more of Charlie and Amber gushiness in the sequel.
There is also a different kind of chemistry that is Amber and her mom. Her mom (sorry I'm blanking on her name right now) is not the typical hard ass mom. Yes she can come down on Amber but that was not a big part of her character. It was more of her mom using her gift to make things better and also use it for needed defense. The scene when she practically chokes Victoria to death for trying to hurt Amber was one of my favorite moments. Amber's mom is not to be fucked with that's for sure. There are also purposeful holes in her backstory that I look forward to being hopefully revealed soon.
The plot also needs a lot of praise. Cestari really fleshed it out and made sure to really follow the important writer 101 of the characters wants, the climax, the resolution, etc. That's not an easy feat its not uncommon to for books to have plot but flounder here and there and there are some that have no fleshed out plot at all. The twists were also really brilliant, especially the big one of Charlie not being her match that plaques Amber through the whole book. Then there was the unexpected arrival of Kim, his true match and it added another great twist and another kick in the ass to Amber because we all know how protagonists must suffer constantly or the book would be boring. The best twist of them all is the possible flaw in Amber's match making abilities. She was convinced that Vincent was Amani's match but Amani turned out to not like the guy at all. Not even a little and that opened a whole new door in the plot; that Amber's gift might not be %100 on point all the time so maybe Kim is not Charlie's match. It is a great thought that I'm itching to find out.
There's also the glaring truth that this book did not have a full five stars. That is really because of the very beginning of the book. Amber seemed more whiny than snarky for a good chunk of the first chapters and the plot started off pretty slow when some things could be cut off to make the important parts happen faster. There was also the lack of world-building. Yes its in Chicago but it was never made clear that not just witches existed in this universe. Instead it was offhandedly mentioned when a guy with elf ears comes into a shop that just made it a little jarring for me. I don't think in every universe that has a supernatural creature it should be assumed that all would exist as well so that was a little bit of a problem for me.
Otherwise I'm ready to gobble up the sequel and I have NetGalley to thank for giving me an ARC so I don't have to wait. It really kicks ass to be a librarian sometimes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
May 12, 2017DNF @ 40% (look! I actually remembered to check!)
Honestly, I think I would have loved this story, like, 9 years ago. It has all the makings of a book back in that book era: blonde bimbo/evil promiscuous girl, the popular boy that every girl wants but really has a heart of gold, supernatural heroine who is SO different from everyone else with a wicked sense of humor and snark, and her sassy best friend who is obsessed with boys or thinking about them (well, one in this case). Doesn't this sound like quite a few books that you read a couple of years ago? I can totally think of a couple right off the top of my head that fit this exact description. And truthfully, back when my book tastes didn't quite realize there was a super big formula and not much substance, I totally ate them up.
However, having much more book knowledge, this novel seemed to just be following a schedule and formula. I could seriously pinpoint when things were going to happen and what was going to happen because it followed so closely to that formula from a few years ago. I just kept thinking, why couldn't this book have come out years ago, because I seriously would have loved it?
That's not say that there weren't parts I enjoyed. I mean, I did stick with it for forty percent, which, you all know, is a pretty big feat for me if I'm going to DNF something. It was engaging, and it was funny. I loved the world that was created with magic on the Navy Pier, and Amber did have a good sense of humor. Those beginning chapters had me cracking up. The magic realism aspect was done brilliantly as well.
It's just the other parts floundered for me. I couldn't get into the story, because I felt that I had read it already. I wanted more from the book, and I just couldn't disconnect. At around 40%, there was supposed to be an important part to it, but I literally just looked at my Kindle app and went, nope, I really don't care. And I realized I had a feeling of not caring for it for a while, and if I wasn't invested, what was the point?
This novel has the makings of a good story. There were a lot of elements that I did like, but the other elements were too overwhelming for this Book Princess. I couldn't get past them, and I think if Cestari had pushed it a bit more, this would have been a story that I would have loved.
A Snow White rating and no stars since I didn't make it to 50%!
Honestly, I think I would have loved this story, like, 9 years ago. It has all the makings of a book back in that book era: blonde bimbo/evil promiscuous girl, the popular boy that every girl wants but really has a heart of gold, supernatural heroine who is SO different from everyone else with a wicked sense of humor and snark, and her sassy best friend who is obsessed with boys or thinking about them (well, one in this case). Doesn't this sound like quite a few books that you read a couple of years ago? I can totally think of a couple right off the top of my head that fit this exact description. And truthfully, back when my book tastes didn't quite realize there was a super big formula and not much substance, I totally ate them up.
However, having much more book knowledge, this novel seemed to just be following a schedule and formula. I could seriously pinpoint when things were going to happen and what was going to happen because it followed so closely to that formula from a few years ago. I just kept thinking, why couldn't this book have come out years ago, because I seriously would have loved it?
That's not say that there weren't parts I enjoyed. I mean, I did stick with it for forty percent, which, you all know, is a pretty big feat for me if I'm going to DNF something. It was engaging, and it was funny. I loved the world that was created with magic on the Navy Pier, and Amber did have a good sense of humor. Those beginning chapters had me cracking up. The magic realism aspect was done brilliantly as well.
It's just the other parts floundered for me. I couldn't get into the story, because I felt that I had read it already. I wanted more from the book, and I just couldn't disconnect. At around 40%, there was supposed to be an important part to it, but I literally just looked at my Kindle app and went, nope, I really don't care. And I realized I had a feeling of not caring for it for a while, and if I wasn't invested, what was the point?
This novel has the makings of a good story. There were a lot of elements that I did like, but the other elements were too overwhelming for this Book Princess. I couldn't get past them, and I think if Cestari had pushed it a bit more, this would have been a story that I would have loved.
A Snow White rating and no stars since I didn't make it to 50%!
August 8, 2017
Really cute! This book is very nice, but I wasn't a fan of the ending. I feel like some things aren't finished, which makes sense, since it's part of a series. However, there's one detail that really needed to be cleared up in this book, in my opinion, and it isn't. I would have liked the ending much better if it were.
October 16, 2017
“The Best Kind of Magic” is a promising start to the new “Windy City Magic” series. It has just the right blend of magical realism, suspense, the supernatural, and romance to make for a fun, light read. It flows well and the sass of Amber kept me laughing. It’s the perfect book for when you need a break from reality. Good for grades 7 through adults. Highly recommended!
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
January 17, 2018
See full review on: https://bookdragonlair.wordpress.com/...
Review Summary: I had so much fun reading The Best Kind of Magic. It’s funny and different and hard to put down.
Overall, as you probably can tell, I was really taken in. The characters developed well and they live in a slightly more interesting version of Chicago. The sequel will be out soon, but even so, I think that it also works as a standalone. If you’re looking for a light, funny read with unexpected insights on life and love, I highly recommend it!
You never know what you’re getting into when you fall in love, but that doesn’t mean you avoid the jump.
Review Summary: I had so much fun reading The Best Kind of Magic. It’s funny and different and hard to put down.
Overall, as you probably can tell, I was really taken in. The characters developed well and they live in a slightly more interesting version of Chicago. The sequel will be out soon, but even so, I think that it also works as a standalone. If you’re looking for a light, funny read with unexpected insights on life and love, I highly recommend it!
You never know what you’re getting into when you fall in love, but that doesn’t mean you avoid the jump.
May 21, 2017
The Best Kind of Magic is a fun read filled with magic, wit, and a bit of romance. I thoroughly enjoyed myself as I read Amber's story and even laughed out loud a few times (literally).
Amber is such a fun, snarky character that I found quite relatable and entertaining. You see somehow Amber didn't inherit the gene that would make her a witch like the rest of her family. However, she still has a mystical talent of her own as a matchmaker who can see true love. As she struggles to fit into a family full of witches who don't fully appreciate her specific talents, she also has to deal with pesky classmates hounding her about their true love matches. She does this all with plenty of sass and humor that had me smiling as it was almost exactly what how I would (or hope I would) react.
And after the mayor comes to her mother's magic shop, Windy City Magic, for help, she somehow manages to become involved in the search for a missing person. She soon finds herself falling for Charlie, the mayor's son, despite the fact that she knows she's not his true love match. But sometimes you have to make your own happy ending...right? Well, you'll just have to read for yourself to find out what happens.
If you do read the book, you'll find a very interesting and colorful cast of characters each with their own distinct qualities and personalities that make them stand out from one another. And while the characters may come across as a bit formulaic, I have to say, the characters of this story are really what made me keep reading. From our narrator, Amber, a snarky, humorous character who struggles to fit in to her sassy, clairvoyant best friend, Amani, to mean girl/ siren Ivy, each character added a little something to the story that I could appreciate and enjoy. I really enjoyed the friendship and other relationships in the book as well. And I can't forget about Charlie...he is such a sweetheart (who just happens to share my fondness for dragons and the film, Pete's Dragon...a favorite from childhood). I could easily see how Amber could fall for him (and not just because of the dragon thing). And thanks to their distinct personalities and the author's writing, I could easily picture each character as I read the story.
Crystal Cestari has also managed to create a fun, magical world that I wish I could be a part of in this urban fantasy set in Chicago. While it's similar to our own world, it still has enough magical realism to make it a different and fascinating place to read about. There are all kinds of magical beings living there and an interesting history to this place which really added to my enjoyment.
But if I had to nitpick, my one complaint would be the pacing of the story and plot. It just seems to move a tad slower than I'd prefer. Despite this, The Best Kind of Magic was very entertaining and I look forward to reading more about Amber and her adventures in the next book.
*I received a digital ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Amber is such a fun, snarky character that I found quite relatable and entertaining. You see somehow Amber didn't inherit the gene that would make her a witch like the rest of her family. However, she still has a mystical talent of her own as a matchmaker who can see true love. As she struggles to fit into a family full of witches who don't fully appreciate her specific talents, she also has to deal with pesky classmates hounding her about their true love matches. She does this all with plenty of sass and humor that had me smiling as it was almost exactly what how I would (or hope I would) react.
And after the mayor comes to her mother's magic shop, Windy City Magic, for help, she somehow manages to become involved in the search for a missing person. She soon finds herself falling for Charlie, the mayor's son, despite the fact that she knows she's not his true love match. But sometimes you have to make your own happy ending...right? Well, you'll just have to read for yourself to find out what happens.
If you do read the book, you'll find a very interesting and colorful cast of characters each with their own distinct qualities and personalities that make them stand out from one another. And while the characters may come across as a bit formulaic, I have to say, the characters of this story are really what made me keep reading. From our narrator, Amber, a snarky, humorous character who struggles to fit in to her sassy, clairvoyant best friend, Amani, to mean girl/ siren Ivy, each character added a little something to the story that I could appreciate and enjoy. I really enjoyed the friendship and other relationships in the book as well. And I can't forget about Charlie...he is such a sweetheart (who just happens to share my fondness for dragons and the film, Pete's Dragon...a favorite from childhood). I could easily see how Amber could fall for him (and not just because of the dragon thing). And thanks to their distinct personalities and the author's writing, I could easily picture each character as I read the story.
Crystal Cestari has also managed to create a fun, magical world that I wish I could be a part of in this urban fantasy set in Chicago. While it's similar to our own world, it still has enough magical realism to make it a different and fascinating place to read about. There are all kinds of magical beings living there and an interesting history to this place which really added to my enjoyment.
But if I had to nitpick, my one complaint would be the pacing of the story and plot. It just seems to move a tad slower than I'd prefer. Despite this, The Best Kind of Magic was very entertaining and I look forward to reading more about Amber and her adventures in the next book.
*I received a digital ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
June 30, 2017
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.
The vibe one gets from the cover of THE BEST KIND OF MAGIC is that the contents within will be lighthearted and cutesy. The story delivers exactly that - an excellent example of a time a cover is perfect for the book. Unfortunately, while lighthearted and fun, I do have a few complaints about THE BEST KIND OF MAGIC.
Overall, THE BEST KIND OF MAGIC is fluff. It's fun and a quick read, but there were some issues. My primary issue with the book is that the author has a terrible habit of telling, not showing. There was a lot of information given to the reader just from Amber's internal monologue - things that didn't make sense for her to be telling herself. Overall, that tended to get a little tedious.
My other complaint is that there's a little bit much going on. There's the main mystery of Charlie's father's missing girlfriend, but there's subplots involving Amber's best friend, her mother's coven, plus the romance aspect! It all gets a little blurred together, instead of having a clear direction the story is going. Then, when it comes time for the main plot line to be tied up, it seems to end way too easily and quickly.
One thing I enjoyed about THE BEST KIND OF MAGIC was the characters. They all felt like they could be real people, and they acted in relatively age appropriate ways. For example, Charlie seemed like an awkward teenager, the type that a real person would encounter in a high school, not one of these fictional paranormal romance heroes who are super intense and/or immortal.
Overall, I definitely enjoyed THE BEST KIND OF MAGIC once I appreciated it for what it was - a light, fun, romantic read, akin to many young adult contemporary novels, but with a side helping of magic. Definitely pick this one up if you're a fan of stories set in Chicago (like myself) or if you're looking for a light dose of paranormal with your teen angst.
Sexual content: Kissing
The vibe one gets from the cover of THE BEST KIND OF MAGIC is that the contents within will be lighthearted and cutesy. The story delivers exactly that - an excellent example of a time a cover is perfect for the book. Unfortunately, while lighthearted and fun, I do have a few complaints about THE BEST KIND OF MAGIC.
Overall, THE BEST KIND OF MAGIC is fluff. It's fun and a quick read, but there were some issues. My primary issue with the book is that the author has a terrible habit of telling, not showing. There was a lot of information given to the reader just from Amber's internal monologue - things that didn't make sense for her to be telling herself. Overall, that tended to get a little tedious.
My other complaint is that there's a little bit much going on. There's the main mystery of Charlie's father's missing girlfriend, but there's subplots involving Amber's best friend, her mother's coven, plus the romance aspect! It all gets a little blurred together, instead of having a clear direction the story is going. Then, when it comes time for the main plot line to be tied up, it seems to end way too easily and quickly.
One thing I enjoyed about THE BEST KIND OF MAGIC was the characters. They all felt like they could be real people, and they acted in relatively age appropriate ways. For example, Charlie seemed like an awkward teenager, the type that a real person would encounter in a high school, not one of these fictional paranormal romance heroes who are super intense and/or immortal.
Overall, I definitely enjoyed THE BEST KIND OF MAGIC once I appreciated it for what it was - a light, fun, romantic read, akin to many young adult contemporary novels, but with a side helping of magic. Definitely pick this one up if you're a fan of stories set in Chicago (like myself) or if you're looking for a light dose of paranormal with your teen angst.
Sexual content: Kissing
June 25, 2017
This book was adorable!
It was eary to see my high school social organization and my attitude of heavy sarcasm displayed. The banter involving Amber was so near and dear to my heart and is how I tend to communicate as well.
The romances are cute and complex and there's variations in each of them which I loved.
Well written and I'm really curious to see what the plot for the sequel will be. It's kind of fantasy but also magical realism.
It was eary to see my high school social organization and my attitude of heavy sarcasm displayed. The banter involving Amber was so near and dear to my heart and is how I tend to communicate as well.
The romances are cute and complex and there's variations in each of them which I loved.
Well written and I'm really curious to see what the plot for the sequel will be. It's kind of fantasy but also magical realism.
March 7, 2018
Oh my gosh, I freaking love this book!! The sarcasm and the wit that Amber has is amazing! The entire story had me gripped and I already can't wait for the sequel! A favorite of 2017, for sure!!!
Reread in March 2018: Still love Amber and so ready for the sequel!!
Reread in March 2018: Still love Amber and so ready for the sequel!!
August 14, 2017
For complete review check out my blog at https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogs...
May 18, 2017
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I needed this book in my life right now. I was sort of feeling like I was in a reading slump, partially because I’ve just been busy and tired, and I really needed the sort of book that hooked me in and didn’t let go. This book kept me guessing about where exactly it was going and how things were going to work out, and that was perfect. I was wrapped up in Amber’s life and I loved every minute of it!
What Fed My Addiction:
Expectations.
Amber feels like a disappointment to her mom and the rest of the magical community because she’s just a matchmaker—she feels like she constantly has to compensate for her lack of “real” magic and she struggles to prove herself to the magical community. Her mom holds coven meetings at their family magic shop, and while everyone is welcoming to her, she’s not allowed in on any sort of magical business. She’s always left on the sidelines. But the nice thing about this book is that Amber doesn’t wallow in self-pity. Sure, she sometimes wishes she had magic or that she wasn’t seen as a second-class magical citizen, but for the most part, she’s made the best of her lot in life and she’s happy with it. Amber’s real because she isn’t all sunshine and rainbows but she’s not a whiner or a quitter either. I really loved that about her.
Family relationships.
I adored the relationship between Amber and her mom. They certainly aren’t perfect, but they have an obvious love for each other and it was nice to see a YA mom who’s involved and caring—and also a little flawed. It felt like real parenting to me. (And as the mom of a teenager, I can say it’s not always easy!)
BFFs.
The friendship between Amber and Amani is also a bright spot in the book. These best friends know each other incredibly well and they’re always there for each other, no matter what. It was nice to see a friendship that never wavered, even when they disagreed on something.
Hooked on the romance. From the start, we know that Charlie and Amber are not meant to be—she’s seen his true love and it isn’t her. Amber has a hard time doing anything more than the most casual of dating because every time she looks into the boy’s eyes, she sees scenes of his soulmate flashing before her. You have to admit, that would be hard to get past. Still, as the book went on, I found myself wishing that maybe Amber could be wrong. And throughout the book, the idea is thrown out there—what if Amber’s magic isn’t as reliable as she always imagined? She feels torn over that idea because that would mean that she’s possibly been leading people astray. But it also might mean that she has a chance for happiness even without seeing herself as someone’s match. I spent the entire book wondering how it would all play out. Would Amber and Charlie get a happily ever after? Some elements of the romance played out in ways that I was expecting, but there were a few surprises as well …
The Chicago setting.
As a Chicago native (well, I’m from the suburbs), I loved the setting, especially since Amber’s shop is on Navy Pier!
FOOD!
Amber is a baker and she makes the most scrumpdillyicious sounding desserts. I want them all!!!
What Left Me Hungry for More:
Not much.
The very beginning of the book was a bit of a slower read for me, but as I mentioned, I’ve been exhausted lately and I think that affected my reading. Other than that, the only reason this book doesn’t get a full 5 stars is because it just isn’t any sort of life-changing book that’s going to make you see life differently. It was sweet and perfect and gave me the feels, though!
This is the type of book that makes you fall in love with love and just makes you plain happy. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book! It earns 4.5/5 stars from me.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via The Fantastic Flying Book Club and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
I needed this book in my life right now. I was sort of feeling like I was in a reading slump, partially because I’ve just been busy and tired, and I really needed the sort of book that hooked me in and didn’t let go. This book kept me guessing about where exactly it was going and how things were going to work out, and that was perfect. I was wrapped up in Amber’s life and I loved every minute of it!
What Fed My Addiction:
Expectations.
Amber feels like a disappointment to her mom and the rest of the magical community because she’s just a matchmaker—she feels like she constantly has to compensate for her lack of “real” magic and she struggles to prove herself to the magical community. Her mom holds coven meetings at their family magic shop, and while everyone is welcoming to her, she’s not allowed in on any sort of magical business. She’s always left on the sidelines. But the nice thing about this book is that Amber doesn’t wallow in self-pity. Sure, she sometimes wishes she had magic or that she wasn’t seen as a second-class magical citizen, but for the most part, she’s made the best of her lot in life and she’s happy with it. Amber’s real because she isn’t all sunshine and rainbows but she’s not a whiner or a quitter either. I really loved that about her.
Family relationships.
I adored the relationship between Amber and her mom. They certainly aren’t perfect, but they have an obvious love for each other and it was nice to see a YA mom who’s involved and caring—and also a little flawed. It felt like real parenting to me. (And as the mom of a teenager, I can say it’s not always easy!)
BFFs.
The friendship between Amber and Amani is also a bright spot in the book. These best friends know each other incredibly well and they’re always there for each other, no matter what. It was nice to see a friendship that never wavered, even when they disagreed on something.
Hooked on the romance. From the start, we know that Charlie and Amber are not meant to be—she’s seen his true love and it isn’t her. Amber has a hard time doing anything more than the most casual of dating because every time she looks into the boy’s eyes, she sees scenes of his soulmate flashing before her. You have to admit, that would be hard to get past. Still, as the book went on, I found myself wishing that maybe Amber could be wrong. And throughout the book, the idea is thrown out there—what if Amber’s magic isn’t as reliable as she always imagined? She feels torn over that idea because that would mean that she’s possibly been leading people astray. But it also might mean that she has a chance for happiness even without seeing herself as someone’s match. I spent the entire book wondering how it would all play out. Would Amber and Charlie get a happily ever after? Some elements of the romance played out in ways that I was expecting, but there were a few surprises as well …
The Chicago setting.
As a Chicago native (well, I’m from the suburbs), I loved the setting, especially since Amber’s shop is on Navy Pier!
FOOD!
Amber is a baker and she makes the most scrumpdillyicious sounding desserts. I want them all!!!
What Left Me Hungry for More:
Not much.
The very beginning of the book was a bit of a slower read for me, but as I mentioned, I’ve been exhausted lately and I think that affected my reading. Other than that, the only reason this book doesn’t get a full 5 stars is because it just isn’t any sort of life-changing book that’s going to make you see life differently. It was sweet and perfect and gave me the feels, though!
This is the type of book that makes you fall in love with love and just makes you plain happy. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book! It earns 4.5/5 stars from me.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via The Fantastic Flying Book Club and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
April 18, 2017
Amber Sand comes from a long line of witches. Unfortunately, she's not a witch. She does have one magical power, though. She can see true love which makes her a matchmaker. She works at her mother's magic shop - Windy City Magic - on Navy Pier in downtown Chicago. Despite being able to see a person's true love when looking in their eyes, she is unable to see her own true love. Her best friend Amani is a precog who has visions of the future but they have made a pledge not to tell each other what they see.
Beyond the magic, Amber is an ordinary teen. She's good at school. She and her best friend are slackers in Phy. Ed. And she has conflicts with Ivy who is a siren and who seems to delight in making Amber look bad. Her dream is to become a pastry chef but she hasn't submitted her application to the Chicago Culinary Institute for fear of not being accepted. I love her quirky personality and way of looking at things around her.
When Charlie Blitzman, son of the mayor and crush magnet at her school, comes to her for help, she tries to discourage him. He wants to find her father's fiance who is missing because his father wants her back. After seeing a picture, she knows that she isn't the mayor's true love. During their investigation she and Charlie explore different parts of Chicago's supernatural scene and fall in love. Amber tries to discourage this and protect her heart because she has seen his true love -- and it's not her.
When she runs into Amani's true love during the investigation, she introduces Amani to him. Only, she hates him. This makes Amber question her gift. Are all the matches she sees really true love? Or are there exceptions? And, if there are exceptions, might she and Charlie be a match after all?
This was a fun story. I liked the magic and the romance.
Beyond the magic, Amber is an ordinary teen. She's good at school. She and her best friend are slackers in Phy. Ed. And she has conflicts with Ivy who is a siren and who seems to delight in making Amber look bad. Her dream is to become a pastry chef but she hasn't submitted her application to the Chicago Culinary Institute for fear of not being accepted. I love her quirky personality and way of looking at things around her.
When Charlie Blitzman, son of the mayor and crush magnet at her school, comes to her for help, she tries to discourage him. He wants to find her father's fiance who is missing because his father wants her back. After seeing a picture, she knows that she isn't the mayor's true love. During their investigation she and Charlie explore different parts of Chicago's supernatural scene and fall in love. Amber tries to discourage this and protect her heart because she has seen his true love -- and it's not her.
When she runs into Amani's true love during the investigation, she introduces Amani to him. Only, she hates him. This makes Amber question her gift. Are all the matches she sees really true love? Or are there exceptions? And, if there are exceptions, might she and Charlie be a match after all?
This was a fun story. I liked the magic and the romance.
November 27, 2019
Thank you Missbecka. I think I got this book from your read shelf. It was a very cute story. Very PG rated magic but with enough action to keep it interesting. I will definitely keep reading this series.
August 6, 2017
There is so much that I loved about this book!! 'Windy City Magic #1' felt like a cozy mystery for teens and it was my JAM!!! Or you could look at it as Urban Fantasy/Romance for teens just the same. A couple of my little pet peeves showed up and made my eyeballs twitch a bit, but overall, I can't wait for the second book! Or third or fourth! Let me first give a brief synopsis, and then I'll cover my opinions:
The Best Kind of Magic gives us a tour of all kinds of magic in the Windy City (Chicago): goblins, fairies, leprechauns, werewolves, vampires, sirens, and of course, witches. Amber Sand is a not a witch. Her mother is, but she is a matchmaker. Meaning that she can look into people's eyes and see their true love. One day, the mayor's son (who is also the most talked-about boy in school) comes in to Amber and her mother's shop, Windy City Magic, requesting Amber's help finding his father's missing girlfriend. Thus begins an adventure with romance, humor, bad guys, a twist and a turn and a to be continued in book 2!! (not a cliffhanger! This book wraps up nicely.)
The first thing I liked about this book was the genre feel. I am a sucker for a cozy mystery, I enjoy paranormal romances, and then put those things in a YA format....have I died and gone to heaven?! Almost too good to be true. I loved it. I wish there was more of this writing out there. So with this genre comes the characters. There was a good mix of humans and paranormals. I liked how Amber and her mother, and even their coven, had a certain struggle with Amber's matchmaking talents. It was a very different and clever spin on the traditional coming of age story that you usually get in YA books and I really liked that. Amani (Amber's best friend) has her own struggles with her magical gifts of being a precog. Their friendship in the book is wonderful, by the way. I just saw a meme the other day that went something like this:
Friend: Oh, I'm so sorry, what can I do?
Best friend: 1/2 price shakes at Sonic. Get your butt in the car.
That's the kind of friends Amber and Amani are. Partially because of their mystic powers and partially because they are comfortable and secure in their own selves (which other high school students find "weird" and "different" of course), the two friends are outcasts and have a very close friendship. Back on track. Charlie is a human and he does a great job taking in everything in the PRN world. You almost wonder every once in a while if he and his father have trace amounts of supernatural in their blood somewhere.
Ok, I will speak of my one biggest pet peeve that occurred in this book: immature language. I hate when authors frequently use immature language. If you want to call it that. To me, its almost Valley Girl...rich snob...Pretty Little Liars...I barely hear kids talking like that and I work in a private high school. Granted, not in Chicago, but in Northern Illinois within 60 miles of Chicago. I do not hear students commonly using the words "natch" instead of natural (I've never heard that), or "cas" for casual (I have heard this, but not frequently). In the first 100 pages of the book when we are first meeting the characters, this kind of abbreviated language is EVERYWHERE. It DEFINES Amber's personality and sense of humor. Toward the middle, it fades out and she is more just sarcastic and witty with Charlie but in the beginning, we are NOT talking to a lowly girl. I just didn't see her as having that much of a consistent attitude. Ivy, the blonde cheerleader mean girl? For sure. But Amber? No. I hated that. I like to read full English sentences. Maybe that's the adult reading a YA novel in me so excuse this paragraph if so. But I'm just saying. I HATE abbreviated teen-speak. Ugh! Not appropriate for books, IMO.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. For full review, please check out my blog: Singer of Stories
The Best Kind of Magic gives us a tour of all kinds of magic in the Windy City (Chicago): goblins, fairies, leprechauns, werewolves, vampires, sirens, and of course, witches. Amber Sand is a not a witch. Her mother is, but she is a matchmaker. Meaning that she can look into people's eyes and see their true love. One day, the mayor's son (who is also the most talked-about boy in school) comes in to Amber and her mother's shop, Windy City Magic, requesting Amber's help finding his father's missing girlfriend. Thus begins an adventure with romance, humor, bad guys, a twist and a turn and a to be continued in book 2!! (not a cliffhanger! This book wraps up nicely.)
The first thing I liked about this book was the genre feel. I am a sucker for a cozy mystery, I enjoy paranormal romances, and then put those things in a YA format....have I died and gone to heaven?! Almost too good to be true. I loved it. I wish there was more of this writing out there. So with this genre comes the characters. There was a good mix of humans and paranormals. I liked how Amber and her mother, and even their coven, had a certain struggle with Amber's matchmaking talents. It was a very different and clever spin on the traditional coming of age story that you usually get in YA books and I really liked that. Amani (Amber's best friend) has her own struggles with her magical gifts of being a precog. Their friendship in the book is wonderful, by the way. I just saw a meme the other day that went something like this:
Friend: Oh, I'm so sorry, what can I do?
Best friend: 1/2 price shakes at Sonic. Get your butt in the car.
That's the kind of friends Amber and Amani are. Partially because of their mystic powers and partially because they are comfortable and secure in their own selves (which other high school students find "weird" and "different" of course), the two friends are outcasts and have a very close friendship. Back on track. Charlie is a human and he does a great job taking in everything in the PRN world. You almost wonder every once in a while if he and his father have trace amounts of supernatural in their blood somewhere.
Ok, I will speak of my one biggest pet peeve that occurred in this book: immature language. I hate when authors frequently use immature language. If you want to call it that. To me, its almost Valley Girl...rich snob...Pretty Little Liars...I barely hear kids talking like that and I work in a private high school. Granted, not in Chicago, but in Northern Illinois within 60 miles of Chicago. I do not hear students commonly using the words "natch" instead of natural (I've never heard that), or "cas" for casual (I have heard this, but not frequently). In the first 100 pages of the book when we are first meeting the characters, this kind of abbreviated language is EVERYWHERE. It DEFINES Amber's personality and sense of humor. Toward the middle, it fades out and she is more just sarcastic and witty with Charlie but in the beginning, we are NOT talking to a lowly girl. I just didn't see her as having that much of a consistent attitude. Ivy, the blonde cheerleader mean girl? For sure. But Amber? No. I hated that. I like to read full English sentences. Maybe that's the adult reading a YA novel in me so excuse this paragraph if so. But I'm just saying. I HATE abbreviated teen-speak. Ugh! Not appropriate for books, IMO.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. For full review, please check out my blog: Singer of Stories
January 2, 2018
This review was originally posted on my blog, Sav Scribbles.
*I received a copy of GOODBYE DAYS from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review. This affects my review in no way.
This book was quite addicting. I read it within 9 hours, which must be some type of record because I almost never finish books that quickly. (Mind you, that's probably because I'm on winter break and today wasn't as busy as usual.)
Let's get into it, shall we?
I didn't really know what THE BEST KIND OF MAGIC was about going into it, because I saw the promises of magic and romance and I was sold.
Let me tell you, this book is much, much, much more focused on romance than magic.
Yeah, the main character's main form of magic is matchmaking, but it's not explained at all. The magic system is not really touched on; it's just a plot device and we're like yeah, okay, magic exists. Cool.
Despite my disappointment on finding that this book would be more focused on romance than magic, I still enjoyed reading it. I am a sucker for any romance story, and I had a bit of the feels™ while reading it, but I wasn't really blown away by said romance or anything like that.
One of the elements that I think was holding me back from fully enjoying this book was the writing. I didn't notice it at the beginning, but as the novel went on, I felt like the author was trying a bit too hard to write from a typical teenager's perspective. I don't know about other teenagers, but I usually don't think "UUUUUGGGGGGHHHHH", and I definitely wouldn't include said thoughts in such a way if I was writing about my experience.
But that's just me.
The characters were also pretty... well, stereotypical. I noticed a few ~I'm not like other girls~ lines or "what more could a girl want?! I'm so quirky and cool!" that weren't appreciated. The main love interest was, again, unremarkable.
I would also like to point out that I have absolutely no idea what any of the characters look like, so I can't comment on the diversity of characters. I don't know if I missed something, but there was just such a lack of description all around, and if I were to try to draw the characters (despite my lack of drawing skills), I wouldn't even know where to begin.
Another one of the elements that held me back from loving THE BEST KIND OF MAGIC was the obvious plot. I wasn't really shocked by anything that happened, and a lot of things are still unexplained, but I'll be reading the sequel because I'm a sucker for a quick, enjoyable romance story. Oops?
All in all, this book wasn't incredibly remarkable in any way, but it was enjoyable and fast-paced. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick read with casual, unexplained magic and a cute, entertaining romance.
*I received a copy of GOODBYE DAYS from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review. This affects my review in no way.
This book was quite addicting. I read it within 9 hours, which must be some type of record because I almost never finish books that quickly. (Mind you, that's probably because I'm on winter break and today wasn't as busy as usual.)
Let's get into it, shall we?
I didn't really know what THE BEST KIND OF MAGIC was about going into it, because I saw the promises of magic and romance and I was sold.
Let me tell you, this book is much, much, much more focused on romance than magic.
Yeah, the main character's main form of magic is matchmaking, but it's not explained at all. The magic system is not really touched on; it's just a plot device and we're like yeah, okay, magic exists. Cool.
Despite my disappointment on finding that this book would be more focused on romance than magic, I still enjoyed reading it. I am a sucker for any romance story, and I had a bit of the feels™ while reading it, but I wasn't really blown away by said romance or anything like that.
One of the elements that I think was holding me back from fully enjoying this book was the writing. I didn't notice it at the beginning, but as the novel went on, I felt like the author was trying a bit too hard to write from a typical teenager's perspective. I don't know about other teenagers, but I usually don't think "UUUUUGGGGGGHHHHH", and I definitely wouldn't include said thoughts in such a way if I was writing about my experience.
But that's just me.
The characters were also pretty... well, stereotypical. I noticed a few ~I'm not like other girls~ lines or "what more could a girl want?! I'm so quirky and cool!" that weren't appreciated. The main love interest was, again, unremarkable.
I would also like to point out that I have absolutely no idea what any of the characters look like, so I can't comment on the diversity of characters. I don't know if I missed something, but there was just such a lack of description all around, and if I were to try to draw the characters (despite my lack of drawing skills), I wouldn't even know where to begin.
Another one of the elements that held me back from loving THE BEST KIND OF MAGIC was the obvious plot. I wasn't really shocked by anything that happened, and a lot of things are still unexplained, but I'll be reading the sequel because I'm a sucker for a quick, enjoyable romance story. Oops?
All in all, this book wasn't incredibly remarkable in any way, but it was enjoyable and fast-paced. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick read with casual, unexplained magic and a cute, entertaining romance.
May 17, 2021
Okay so here’s my deal. I turn twenty-one in exactly three weeks and I feel a little bit weird about leaving a less-than-complimentary review on a YA novel when I am very much not the target demographic, anymore. But mm. This book wasn’t very good.
I love urban fantasy and I adore books set in Chicago, but this book takes a little bit a of a lazy approach to both the genre and the setting. By this, I mean that the author sorta leans on prefab rules of mythical creatures and throws them into a sloppy plot. It’s not so much that she’s drawing from different mythologies and folklore but moreso that she’s writing a universe with flimsy rules and a mish-mash of creatures that rely on silly stereotypes. And as for the setting. The author shoehorns in random references to remind us that we’re in Chicago. “The mayor? Oh yeah he used to play on the Bears :)” “The protagonist’s family owns a shop on Navy Pier. You know Navy Pier right! Well hahahahaha! Dont we REAL CHICAGOANS hate Navy Pier cuz it’s soooo tourist trap-y?” So yeah no. That didn’t work for me.
Also the plot was very dumb. It wasn’t much of a “mystery” because frankly, I kept forgetting what I was supposed to be caring about.
My final real gripe is that whenever our protagonist is actually at school, she has this weird rivalry with another student, who’s a mythological Siren. I say weird because the book makes it clear that the Siren literally mind controls guys into sleeping with her, but for some reason, the book treats her as if her worst crime is being rude and blonde. It’s this weird, outdated cheerleader trope that doesn’t work in realistic fiction, let alone in a fantasy book where the Siren cheerleader is LITERALLY date-raping and manipulating guys?? Girl???? 😭😭
So yeah no. This did not work for me. In my defense, I’m not just a bitter adult harping on YA— I doubt I would have liked this book at sixteen or seventeen either. Hopefully I’ll find some better urban fantasy set in Chicago. (And I will NOT be reading a Harry fucking Dresden book.)
I love urban fantasy and I adore books set in Chicago, but this book takes a little bit a of a lazy approach to both the genre and the setting. By this, I mean that the author sorta leans on prefab rules of mythical creatures and throws them into a sloppy plot. It’s not so much that she’s drawing from different mythologies and folklore but moreso that she’s writing a universe with flimsy rules and a mish-mash of creatures that rely on silly stereotypes. And as for the setting. The author shoehorns in random references to remind us that we’re in Chicago. “The mayor? Oh yeah he used to play on the Bears :)” “The protagonist’s family owns a shop on Navy Pier. You know Navy Pier right! Well hahahahaha! Dont we REAL CHICAGOANS hate Navy Pier cuz it’s soooo tourist trap-y?” So yeah no. That didn’t work for me.
Also the plot was very dumb. It wasn’t much of a “mystery” because frankly, I kept forgetting what I was supposed to be caring about.
My final real gripe is that whenever our protagonist is actually at school, she has this weird rivalry with another student, who’s a mythological Siren. I say weird because the book makes it clear that the Siren literally mind controls guys into sleeping with her, but for some reason, the book treats her as if her worst crime is being rude and blonde. It’s this weird, outdated cheerleader trope that doesn’t work in realistic fiction, let alone in a fantasy book where the Siren cheerleader is LITERALLY date-raping and manipulating guys?? Girl???? 😭😭
So yeah no. This did not work for me. In my defense, I’m not just a bitter adult harping on YA— I doubt I would have liked this book at sixteen or seventeen either. Hopefully I’ll find some better urban fantasy set in Chicago. (And I will NOT be reading a Harry fucking Dresden book.)
June 4, 2017
This was such a cute book! It has all the elements of a wonderful story! I've been pagan for over 29 years and although we Pagans and Wiccans don't have the magical powers that are in this book. It does give you some very good advice such as. Magic is a gift and not a right. As well as to follow your heart. There's more to life than fate.
This one was a world wind of crazy laughs, snarky remarks, and some really good romance. It's one I will DEFINITELY be rereading in the future. I really fell in love with Amber and her family and I would love a prequel book about her mom. That sounds like a story I would really enjoy finding more about. The author did an amazing job with the magical aspects of this story and made it come to life in all the right ways. I wouldn't be surprised to go to Chicago and find this store and the characters from this book working there. It would seem totally plausible.
This book although slightly shorter was full of so much story!! It felt much longer than it was. I can't wait to find out what book two is about and wither or not fate can change. I really want Amber and her friends to be happy and I can't wait to see how it all comes to pass!!
This magical story is a wonderful blend of snarky attitude, laugh out loud fun, and some killer magical moments that will have you asking do you believe in fate?
This one was a world wind of crazy laughs, snarky remarks, and some really good romance. It's one I will DEFINITELY be rereading in the future. I really fell in love with Amber and her family and I would love a prequel book about her mom. That sounds like a story I would really enjoy finding more about. The author did an amazing job with the magical aspects of this story and made it come to life in all the right ways. I wouldn't be surprised to go to Chicago and find this store and the characters from this book working there. It would seem totally plausible.
This book although slightly shorter was full of so much story!! It felt much longer than it was. I can't wait to find out what book two is about and wither or not fate can change. I really want Amber and her friends to be happy and I can't wait to see how it all comes to pass!!
This magical story is a wonderful blend of snarky attitude, laugh out loud fun, and some killer magical moments that will have you asking do you believe in fate?
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