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Bad Magic
When Richard meets his cousin Amanda for the first time in twenty years, he’s still afraid of her; she bullied him throughout his childhood and sexually abused him when they were teenagers.
He owns a struggling art gallery that only survives because his wealthy grandmother pays for it. But now Amanda’s back in his life, things look set to change. She’s out to make trouble, drugging Richard with Rohypnol, faking a burglary and trying to persuade their grandmother to change her will.
Richard’s heard a rumour she murdered her mother. Fearing for his grandmother’s life and his inheritance, he decides to give Amanda a dose of her own medicine.
He owns a struggling art gallery that only survives because his wealthy grandmother pays for it. But now Amanda’s back in his life, things look set to change. She’s out to make trouble, drugging Richard with Rohypnol, faking a burglary and trying to persuade their grandmother to change her will.
Richard’s heard a rumour she murdered her mother. Fearing for his grandmother’s life and his inheritance, he decides to give Amanda a dose of her own medicine.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2019
13 people want to read
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December 6, 2019NOT FOR ME AS IT TRIGGERED MY NIGHTMARES
Quite a dark tale of bullying and sexual abuse.
Richard and Amanda were cousins, there was something off between them. Amanda was a bully who abused Richard as a kid. And now she was apparently to look after their grandmother. And the games continued with drugs, alcohol, and sex.
My first book by author AM Stirling, the story was not for the faint-hearted. The book had dark overtones, more than what I could normally stomach. Both the characters were twisted, and the games they played were with a conscience.
The writing showed the darker nature of human psyche. The plot had unexpected twists, some of them were dark shockers. This family has plenty of secrets which led to both the characters being damaged. Incest and child abuse were present, and that triggered my nightmares, so I wished there was a trigger warning in the blurb.
Definitely not a breakfast read. Only for readers who enjoy such dark reads.
Quite a dark tale of bullying and sexual abuse.
Richard and Amanda were cousins, there was something off between them. Amanda was a bully who abused Richard as a kid. And now she was apparently to look after their grandmother. And the games continued with drugs, alcohol, and sex.
My first book by author AM Stirling, the story was not for the faint-hearted. The book had dark overtones, more than what I could normally stomach. Both the characters were twisted, and the games they played were with a conscience.
The writing showed the darker nature of human psyche. The plot had unexpected twists, some of them were dark shockers. This family has plenty of secrets which led to both the characters being damaged. Incest and child abuse were present, and that triggered my nightmares, so I wished there was a trigger warning in the blurb.
Definitely not a breakfast read. Only for readers who enjoy such dark reads.
June 22, 2020
Not going to lie the blurb definitely got my interest. It’s not often you read about a man being sexually abused and I was interested to see how this would play out. Whenever I finish a book the first thing I do is write my review to clear my head before I start my next book, however, I can’t clear my head with this book, it’s stuck in there still. I can not stop thinking about this book!!!!!!
It was a wild ride for sure! A lot of details are not given it’s more of what your imagination can play. Richard loses his parents when he was young, his Nan can’t be bothered with him, for want of a better phrase and ships him off to Canada to stay with his Aunt for the summer. There he meets his cousin Amanda, so self-assured in every which way and basically destroys Richard in that summer. She takes his innocence away and messes with his head. He knows everything that happens is wrong, yet he wants it at the same time. This however does complete screw his brain up and this is obvious from the way he lives his life.
For twenty years he managed to stay away from Amanda. He lives in the UK she lives in Canada, until the day his Aunt dies, then he has to see her again. As you can imagine, his world crashes and is turned upside down.
Richard is far from likeable, he has a “girlfriend” back in the UK yet he is sleeping with an old flame when at the funeral and has a longing to rekindle the flame. Amanda, not liking that the focus is not on her, drugs and raped him. The biggest problem for Richard, he was upset that he couldn’t remember the act yet being disgusted that he wanted it, a complete conflict in his mind.
Amanda, well she is not likeable, jail bait for sure. I admired her confidence and she knew what she wanted, but she had crossed so many lines and then an awful game of cat and mouse started, a class A manipulator.
However, despite not liking Richard, I actually felt sorry for him. His life spins out of control and it wasn’t his fault, well not entirely. He took his eye off the ball, made some bad decisions, why? Amanda! She consumes him and it is what I imagine Stockholm syndrome is like.
Even when I got to the end of the book, it still feels far from satisfying. It feels like there is a dark cloud hanging over him and now me. I can’t shake the feeling that things aren’t right. My head just feels clouded. I want to say more about the book but I know I can’t and to be honest, I am not sure what I would say. I have to digest this. What a great book because it is definitely one that will get you talking. Although I will be recommending this to everyone, if they are able to handle the content, as it is a book that needs to be read, and I think it will be finding its way on my book of the year list.
I feel dirty for enjoying the book because of the subject matter but I really did. I was morbidly fascinated by the story of Richard and Amanda, the power plays they had, the power she had. I thought Stirling did a sterling (sorry!) job with the book, he tackled the subject matter with respect and it was not glorified or glamorised. It was raw, dark, uncomfortable and foreboding. There is no light, there is no satisfaction, there is just an end and you have to deal with it. This is a debut and I will most definitely read Stirling’s next book, I was absorbed by his writing. I felt the panic, the disgust and the shock. Hats off to Stirling for writing this book! I think it’s a book that is needed and it shows men can be victims too.
It was a wild ride for sure! A lot of details are not given it’s more of what your imagination can play. Richard loses his parents when he was young, his Nan can’t be bothered with him, for want of a better phrase and ships him off to Canada to stay with his Aunt for the summer. There he meets his cousin Amanda, so self-assured in every which way and basically destroys Richard in that summer. She takes his innocence away and messes with his head. He knows everything that happens is wrong, yet he wants it at the same time. This however does complete screw his brain up and this is obvious from the way he lives his life.
For twenty years he managed to stay away from Amanda. He lives in the UK she lives in Canada, until the day his Aunt dies, then he has to see her again. As you can imagine, his world crashes and is turned upside down.
Richard is far from likeable, he has a “girlfriend” back in the UK yet he is sleeping with an old flame when at the funeral and has a longing to rekindle the flame. Amanda, not liking that the focus is not on her, drugs and raped him. The biggest problem for Richard, he was upset that he couldn’t remember the act yet being disgusted that he wanted it, a complete conflict in his mind.
Amanda, well she is not likeable, jail bait for sure. I admired her confidence and she knew what she wanted, but she had crossed so many lines and then an awful game of cat and mouse started, a class A manipulator.
However, despite not liking Richard, I actually felt sorry for him. His life spins out of control and it wasn’t his fault, well not entirely. He took his eye off the ball, made some bad decisions, why? Amanda! She consumes him and it is what I imagine Stockholm syndrome is like.
Even when I got to the end of the book, it still feels far from satisfying. It feels like there is a dark cloud hanging over him and now me. I can’t shake the feeling that things aren’t right. My head just feels clouded. I want to say more about the book but I know I can’t and to be honest, I am not sure what I would say. I have to digest this. What a great book because it is definitely one that will get you talking. Although I will be recommending this to everyone, if they are able to handle the content, as it is a book that needs to be read, and I think it will be finding its way on my book of the year list.
I feel dirty for enjoying the book because of the subject matter but I really did. I was morbidly fascinated by the story of Richard and Amanda, the power plays they had, the power she had. I thought Stirling did a sterling (sorry!) job with the book, he tackled the subject matter with respect and it was not glorified or glamorised. It was raw, dark, uncomfortable and foreboding. There is no light, there is no satisfaction, there is just an end and you have to deal with it. This is a debut and I will most definitely read Stirling’s next book, I was absorbed by his writing. I felt the panic, the disgust and the shock. Hats off to Stirling for writing this book! I think it’s a book that is needed and it shows men can be victims too.
December 12, 2019
Thank you to Emma @Damppebbles for my spot on the blog tour. My review is honest and unbiased.
What is it about dark books that really bring out the inquisitive nature of humans? The darkness of human emotion, the behaviours and motivations that lay behind that darkness triggers our need to know what makes them, them. It leaves me speechless, but it leaves me wanting more! It switches on that part of my brain which hungers for more, maybe that’s why I love reading psychological thrillers and crime novels to the extent I do. There is nothing better than being plunged into a dark story and witnessing the broken and depraved nature that claw out of a person, it’s like something straight out of a horror movie.
Bad Magic immediately appealed to me. The deep nature of abusive sexual relationship between cousins Amanda and Richard although shocking the imaginative reach propelled me to race through the pages. I did appreciate the sense of gender roles reversed and bringing much needed awareness to the capability and culpability of the female sexually abusing the male victim. This was carried out in the guise of “sex lessons.” It was eye opening and it was deeply uncomfortable. This was a book that was created to unseat you in shock.
I just want to make it abundantly clear that this book could be a significant trigger to those that have suffered abuse of this nature. It’s a book that I feel needed to be told but I must be responsible in making these issues known to potential readers.
The story continues on with Amanda taking on the responsibility of looking after their grandmother. So, I guess at this point you are thinking has she changed? No, is the short, sharp and perfunctory answer. Nothing at all has changed. She is just as cold, calculating and abusive as before. Things take a nosedive and history repeats itself. The sex. The alcohol. The drugs. It’s obsessive, a compulsion and infinite circle of abuse with long-lasting effects. Neither character appealed to me. Their characterisation was that of damaged and chilling psyche’s, which I believe was intentional by the author.
The narrative was spellbindingly clever. I was hand delivered a ticket and jet propelled into a world of hate, abuse, obsession, it’s plausible and frightening. It was a terrible and ugly existence and yet I couldn’t get enough. It makes you incredibly grateful that you aren’t living this life. It reminded me of looking into a scene you really shouldn’t…witnessing the ghosts of the past, a past that leaves a troubling, time defying echo in your head. Never quite escaping the visions.
Bad Magic creates a palpable dread that you can’t escape. Equal measure of clever and creepy. Intoxicating complexity of the human fragility of life. Uncomfortable and entirely unputdownable
What is it about dark books that really bring out the inquisitive nature of humans? The darkness of human emotion, the behaviours and motivations that lay behind that darkness triggers our need to know what makes them, them. It leaves me speechless, but it leaves me wanting more! It switches on that part of my brain which hungers for more, maybe that’s why I love reading psychological thrillers and crime novels to the extent I do. There is nothing better than being plunged into a dark story and witnessing the broken and depraved nature that claw out of a person, it’s like something straight out of a horror movie.
Bad Magic immediately appealed to me. The deep nature of abusive sexual relationship between cousins Amanda and Richard although shocking the imaginative reach propelled me to race through the pages. I did appreciate the sense of gender roles reversed and bringing much needed awareness to the capability and culpability of the female sexually abusing the male victim. This was carried out in the guise of “sex lessons.” It was eye opening and it was deeply uncomfortable. This was a book that was created to unseat you in shock.
I just want to make it abundantly clear that this book could be a significant trigger to those that have suffered abuse of this nature. It’s a book that I feel needed to be told but I must be responsible in making these issues known to potential readers.
The story continues on with Amanda taking on the responsibility of looking after their grandmother. So, I guess at this point you are thinking has she changed? No, is the short, sharp and perfunctory answer. Nothing at all has changed. She is just as cold, calculating and abusive as before. Things take a nosedive and history repeats itself. The sex. The alcohol. The drugs. It’s obsessive, a compulsion and infinite circle of abuse with long-lasting effects. Neither character appealed to me. Their characterisation was that of damaged and chilling psyche’s, which I believe was intentional by the author.
The narrative was spellbindingly clever. I was hand delivered a ticket and jet propelled into a world of hate, abuse, obsession, it’s plausible and frightening. It was a terrible and ugly existence and yet I couldn’t get enough. It makes you incredibly grateful that you aren’t living this life. It reminded me of looking into a scene you really shouldn’t…witnessing the ghosts of the past, a past that leaves a troubling, time defying echo in your head. Never quite escaping the visions.
Bad Magic creates a palpable dread that you can’t escape. Equal measure of clever and creepy. Intoxicating complexity of the human fragility of life. Uncomfortable and entirely unputdownable
June 17, 2020
I like dark novels and I like to be shocked (although I'm certain I have some boundaries - I've just not found them yet). I'm not sure why. I think it's because I'm fascinated and terrified yet curious about the human capability to do evil and the depths of the evil they can go to. I would advise you check the content information before reading and that this book is not for the feint hearted.
I'm always more so impressed when authors chose a female protagonist and reverse the traditionally perceived roles of abuse and bullying too as it always seems that little more shocking although to be fair neither the character of Richard or Amanda (who are cousins) behaved well or fairly in any way. Both characters were cleverly written and neither were likable. Richard is bitter and hateful after he cannot forget or forgive Amanda's childhood abuse of him. Amanda is just devious, calculating, manipulative and seriously damaged herself. As a teen she humiliated and tortured Richard in a despicable way and as an adult she is no better. I didn't wholly warm to Richard at all but I completely despised Amanda and I feel to evoke those emotions about a character within a reader is a great achievement.
This novel is not a fast paced action thriller, more of a slow-burn, unwinding novel that allows the reader time to process and digest the nature of each character and their actions. Family secrets and new layers to the plot and the characters are revealed in leisurely peeled layers of storytelling although don't be fooled into thinking this isn't a page turner.
Not for the feint hearted but if you like dark then this one is for you.
I'm always more so impressed when authors chose a female protagonist and reverse the traditionally perceived roles of abuse and bullying too as it always seems that little more shocking although to be fair neither the character of Richard or Amanda (who are cousins) behaved well or fairly in any way. Both characters were cleverly written and neither were likable. Richard is bitter and hateful after he cannot forget or forgive Amanda's childhood abuse of him. Amanda is just devious, calculating, manipulative and seriously damaged herself. As a teen she humiliated and tortured Richard in a despicable way and as an adult she is no better. I didn't wholly warm to Richard at all but I completely despised Amanda and I feel to evoke those emotions about a character within a reader is a great achievement.
This novel is not a fast paced action thriller, more of a slow-burn, unwinding novel that allows the reader time to process and digest the nature of each character and their actions. Family secrets and new layers to the plot and the characters are revealed in leisurely peeled layers of storytelling although don't be fooled into thinking this isn't a page turner.
Not for the feint hearted but if you like dark then this one is for you.
December 13, 2019
Bad Magic is an interesting and different kinda read.
From the start I didn’t like Amanda. Richard was an ok character to me. Amanda bullied her cousin Richard twenty years ago. Now she is back in his life and he doesn’t know what to make of it. He’s definitely right to be wary of her.
It did take me a few chapters to get into it but once I did I really enjoyed it.
It’s unusual that I read a book that there isn’t at least one character I can rave about but that’s not a negative. I like when a book can make me feel something different.
From the start I didn’t like Amanda. Richard was an ok character to me. Amanda bullied her cousin Richard twenty years ago. Now she is back in his life and he doesn’t know what to make of it. He’s definitely right to be wary of her.
It did take me a few chapters to get into it but once I did I really enjoyed it.
It’s unusual that I read a book that there isn’t at least one character I can rave about but that’s not a negative. I like when a book can make me feel something different.
June 24, 2020
When Richard goes to Canada to his Aunt’s funeral he has to see his cousin Amanda, someone he’s been free of for years. Having bullied and sexually abused him when he was a young teen, Richard isn’t prepared for the fact that she hasn’t changed – and he’s still not able to stand up to her. But then he hears rumours that she may have had something to do with her Mother’s death……
Although suspicious, he returns home to the North of England and is relieved to get away from her. But then somehow Amanda has wormed her way in to his Grandmother’s affection and is moving over to the UK. Richard must now face constantly seeing the woman who has always tormented him, and the confused feelings he has for her. And when his Grandmother’s house is broken into and she starts turning against him, he realises Amanda may be up to some dirty tricks and decides to get even…….
This was a dark, but gripping story but one that won’t be for everyone. The story covers the bullying and sexual abuse of Richard as a young teen by his cousin and his complex feelings around it; but also covers adult bullying, abuse and rape. Some of the scenes are pretty descriptive so if these aspects are like to be a trigger for you, you may be best avoiding this. I definitely feel that there should be a trigger warning in the blurb for readers who may find this disturbing.
However, despite the darkness, this was a gripping thriller. I have to say I didn’t particularly like any of the characters. You start off liking Richard and feel sorry for the way he is treated by Amanda, but then you realise that he’s just as manipulative when it comes to wanting things – especially his Grandmother’s money; as well as treating his on/off girlfriend terribly. Amanda was a despicable character – a manipulative, cruel bully who uses whatever methods she needs to get her own way.
Although not particularly fast paced, the story does keep you gripped as you want to find out what happens with the characters. There are some twists and turns, and some shocking secrets that come to light. The fact that the story tells the other side of bullying, abuse and rape, with a male being the victim I felt was really important as it’s not always covered enough, and it is something that happens in real life.
Overall this was a dark and disturbing thriller, but one that, if you enjoy the darker side of a thriller, will have you turning the pages. I’ll definitely look out for more from this author.
Although suspicious, he returns home to the North of England and is relieved to get away from her. But then somehow Amanda has wormed her way in to his Grandmother’s affection and is moving over to the UK. Richard must now face constantly seeing the woman who has always tormented him, and the confused feelings he has for her. And when his Grandmother’s house is broken into and she starts turning against him, he realises Amanda may be up to some dirty tricks and decides to get even…….
This was a dark, but gripping story but one that won’t be for everyone. The story covers the bullying and sexual abuse of Richard as a young teen by his cousin and his complex feelings around it; but also covers adult bullying, abuse and rape. Some of the scenes are pretty descriptive so if these aspects are like to be a trigger for you, you may be best avoiding this. I definitely feel that there should be a trigger warning in the blurb for readers who may find this disturbing.
However, despite the darkness, this was a gripping thriller. I have to say I didn’t particularly like any of the characters. You start off liking Richard and feel sorry for the way he is treated by Amanda, but then you realise that he’s just as manipulative when it comes to wanting things – especially his Grandmother’s money; as well as treating his on/off girlfriend terribly. Amanda was a despicable character – a manipulative, cruel bully who uses whatever methods she needs to get her own way.
Although not particularly fast paced, the story does keep you gripped as you want to find out what happens with the characters. There are some twists and turns, and some shocking secrets that come to light. The fact that the story tells the other side of bullying, abuse and rape, with a male being the victim I felt was really important as it’s not always covered enough, and it is something that happens in real life.
Overall this was a dark and disturbing thriller, but one that, if you enjoy the darker side of a thriller, will have you turning the pages. I’ll definitely look out for more from this author.
June 28, 2020
This book was creepy, sinister and very unsettling. From the very first page where we meet Richard I knew I would be on an intriguing journey. What I am going to say next I mean in the nicest kind of way but I actually hated every single character in the book. However, that just added to my enjoyment.
Richard, in parts of the story I did feel a little sympathy towards him however, he’s just a creepy loser that needs to grow a backbone. His parents died young and his Grandmother, Jane raised him. He also spent some time in Canada with his Aunt and cousin Amanda. Amanda bullied him in more ways than one and she came up with the nickname that has stuck, ‘Little Dickie.’ Rather than stand up to her he is mesmerised by her and this is his ultimate downfall.
Amanda’s mum has died in slightly suspicious circumstances so she’s moved back to England and taken up residence in her Grandmother Jane’s house. Amanda swiftly sets to take control of her grandmother and it’s not long before she’s taken over more than just her health needs.
Richard is a failing gallery owner. He’s Grandmother is his constant bail out and if it wasn’t for her cheques then his gallery would be dead on its feet. His girlfriend Catherine is a bit of a pushover and she’s the only person that Richard feels he can control but even then we soon see a darker side to Catherine as she gets fed up with his low life treatment of her and she makes a stand against him.
The love hate relationship is intriguing and keeps the pace of the book flowing. When Amanda is found dead after a long heavy night of drinking, the finger of blame is pointed at Richard and he has to set out to clear his name.
I would like to finish my review with a reference to a passage that stuck out to me and pretty much this resonates throughout the book:
“Richard found himself slipping into telling the story about the deer in the headlights, and how his father had served to avoid it.”
I enjoyed this book but it is not for the faint hearted and there are some colourful scenes and language in the book so if you are easily offended this may not be for you.
Richard, in parts of the story I did feel a little sympathy towards him however, he’s just a creepy loser that needs to grow a backbone. His parents died young and his Grandmother, Jane raised him. He also spent some time in Canada with his Aunt and cousin Amanda. Amanda bullied him in more ways than one and she came up with the nickname that has stuck, ‘Little Dickie.’ Rather than stand up to her he is mesmerised by her and this is his ultimate downfall.
Amanda’s mum has died in slightly suspicious circumstances so she’s moved back to England and taken up residence in her Grandmother Jane’s house. Amanda swiftly sets to take control of her grandmother and it’s not long before she’s taken over more than just her health needs.
Richard is a failing gallery owner. He’s Grandmother is his constant bail out and if it wasn’t for her cheques then his gallery would be dead on its feet. His girlfriend Catherine is a bit of a pushover and she’s the only person that Richard feels he can control but even then we soon see a darker side to Catherine as she gets fed up with his low life treatment of her and she makes a stand against him.
The love hate relationship is intriguing and keeps the pace of the book flowing. When Amanda is found dead after a long heavy night of drinking, the finger of blame is pointed at Richard and he has to set out to clear his name.
I would like to finish my review with a reference to a passage that stuck out to me and pretty much this resonates throughout the book:
“Richard found himself slipping into telling the story about the deer in the headlights, and how his father had served to avoid it.”
I enjoyed this book but it is not for the faint hearted and there are some colourful scenes and language in the book so if you are easily offended this may not be for you.
June 21, 2020
Thank you to Emma at damppebbles, the author and publisher for this kindle copy of this book in return for my own honest review.
This is the first book I have read by this author. Amanda and Richard are cousins who haven't seen each other in a few years but when Amanda's mum dies Richard has to go to the funeral on behalf of his ill grandmother. Amanda has always bullied Richard and that hasn't changed she has also continued with drugs, alcohol and sex I found this book very uncomfortable and disturbing to read, its not for the faint hearted it has a lot of darkness about it. I feel like Richard could have reported Amanda to the police once he got the evidence he needed but he didn't instead he give Amanda a taste of her own medicine.
This is the first book I have read by this author. Amanda and Richard are cousins who haven't seen each other in a few years but when Amanda's mum dies Richard has to go to the funeral on behalf of his ill grandmother. Amanda has always bullied Richard and that hasn't changed she has also continued with drugs, alcohol and sex I found this book very uncomfortable and disturbing to read, its not for the faint hearted it has a lot of darkness about it. I feel like Richard could have reported Amanda to the police once he got the evidence he needed but he didn't instead he give Amanda a taste of her own medicine.
December 14, 2025
Trigger warning: Rape, sexual abuse, incest, child abuse, bullying.
Though the blurb should make it clear that there’s sexual violence within the book, I decided to put the trigger warning above my review for those who might be sensitive to this subject matter. The descriptions of the sexual abuse are graphic, though I didn’t find them gratuitous. More on that later.
If you’ve ever been a victim of sexual assault/abuse in any way, two things:
1) My heart goes out to you and I’m terribly sorry that you went through this; and
2) This book probably isn’t for you. You might not want to read reviews of it, either.
Characters
The two main characters, Richard and Amanda, are sick individuals, though in different ways.
Amanda’s twisted. It’s obvious from page one. As one character says, “She’s a real piece of work.” She takes delight in manipulating others, using their weaknesses to her advantage. She takes advantage of this family’s unwillingness to confront evil because they prefer to keep a pretty outward appearance. (This is particularly true of Nana!) Trying to pacify Amanda is impossible, but Richard-the-appeaser still tries.
Richard justifies everything he does: taking advantage of his love-sick gallery manager, living above his means, wheedling money out of his elderly grandmother, lying about his parents’ deadly car accident, and allowing himself to be manipulated by others. While I did have some sympathy for him, as the book progressed, it became clear that Richard is himself a manipulator. He desperately needs to be wanted and he desperately needs to appear strong in other people’s eyes. That weakens him when he’s dealing with Amanda as an adult.
Sexual violence
As I mentioned earlier, there were explicit scenes of sexual abuse and rape. It is sickening and disturbing, as it should be. However, I think A.M. Stirling handled these scenes well. While the descriptions could be too much for those who have been abused, they are not gratuitous. It’s explicit without being excessive.
I think the graphic descriptions are necessary for this story. Without them, we wouldn’t understand how confused young Richard is by his older cousin. The sense of violation, the strange sexual desire that isn’t truly desire, the feeling that Amanda must be appeased at all costs. We wouldn’t understand the dynamics of their relationship as adults, either.
Plot
From the start, Amanda is aggressive toward Richard. As the book progresses, her actions become worse. Their grandmother is completely deceived by Amanda. Despite Nana’s boyfriend’s attempts to intervene, Amanda infiltrates her grandmother’s life and slowly gains power over her. Her actions escalate from insidious comments to faking a burglary to drugging Richard and raping him again.
I wanted Richard to fight back, but for much of the book, he doesn’t. I suspect two things are at work.
1: Amanda’s “sex lessons” (rape) as a teenager confused him. He can’t figure out whether it was sexual assault or not because of his body’s involuntary response to Amanda’s aggression. He mistakes the physical reaction for actual sexual desire. Because of his mental confusion, he doesn’t think he can tell anyone the full truth of what happened between them. He believes he wanted it and that it was his fault.
2: The gender reversal. If a female fights against a violent attacker, many people applaud. But if a male hits a female in self-defense? If he accuses her of sexual violence? There’s a far different reaction from the general public.
A. M. Stirling beautifully captures the complex dynamics of the predator-victim relationship. Gaslighting. Self-blame. Confusion.
But he also uses the gender reversal to question our cultural assumptions about men and women. Violence and perversion aren’t the domain of only one gender. Both males and females can be predators–and are in this novel–and both can be victims. That, too, becomes apparent in the story.
Pace
Bad Magic has a slower pace than many suspense novels. This works to its advantage because we have adequate time to understand the relationship between Richard and Amanda. At times, I became impatient, waiting for Richard to take action. But Stirling uses that pace to create a sense of dread at what happens next.
There are a lot of secrets in this family. Stirling takes his time revealing them to us, slowly peeling off layers of deceit to reveal the ugly truths beneath. In some cases, what we think is a revealed truth is really a half-truth. In others, it’s a lie.
Art
Given that I’m a sucker for art in fiction, it didn’t surprise me that I enjoyed reading about the art gallery. His current exhibition is the work of a young, rather neurotic artist whose impulsive actions put Richard’s relationship with a would-be rich patron at risk. I also liked Catherine, Richard’s gallery manager, who is rather innocent and deeply in love with him. But she’s no fool, either. Of all the characters in the book, she was one I could whole-heartedly cheer on.
Recommended
Bad Magic isn’t for everyone. It’s dark and often violent. As I said earlier, if you are sensitive to these issues, this probably isn’t a book for you. But I recommend it for those who like thoughtful suspense novels.
Thanks to Emma Welton of damppebblesblogtours and A. M. Stirling for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Though the blurb should make it clear that there’s sexual violence within the book, I decided to put the trigger warning above my review for those who might be sensitive to this subject matter. The descriptions of the sexual abuse are graphic, though I didn’t find them gratuitous. More on that later.
If you’ve ever been a victim of sexual assault/abuse in any way, two things:
1) My heart goes out to you and I’m terribly sorry that you went through this; and
2) This book probably isn’t for you. You might not want to read reviews of it, either.
Characters
The two main characters, Richard and Amanda, are sick individuals, though in different ways.
Amanda’s twisted. It’s obvious from page one. As one character says, “She’s a real piece of work.” She takes delight in manipulating others, using their weaknesses to her advantage. She takes advantage of this family’s unwillingness to confront evil because they prefer to keep a pretty outward appearance. (This is particularly true of Nana!) Trying to pacify Amanda is impossible, but Richard-the-appeaser still tries.
Richard justifies everything he does: taking advantage of his love-sick gallery manager, living above his means, wheedling money out of his elderly grandmother, lying about his parents’ deadly car accident, and allowing himself to be manipulated by others. While I did have some sympathy for him, as the book progressed, it became clear that Richard is himself a manipulator. He desperately needs to be wanted and he desperately needs to appear strong in other people’s eyes. That weakens him when he’s dealing with Amanda as an adult.
Sexual violence
As I mentioned earlier, there were explicit scenes of sexual abuse and rape. It is sickening and disturbing, as it should be. However, I think A.M. Stirling handled these scenes well. While the descriptions could be too much for those who have been abused, they are not gratuitous. It’s explicit without being excessive.
I think the graphic descriptions are necessary for this story. Without them, we wouldn’t understand how confused young Richard is by his older cousin. The sense of violation, the strange sexual desire that isn’t truly desire, the feeling that Amanda must be appeased at all costs. We wouldn’t understand the dynamics of their relationship as adults, either.
Plot
From the start, Amanda is aggressive toward Richard. As the book progresses, her actions become worse. Their grandmother is completely deceived by Amanda. Despite Nana’s boyfriend’s attempts to intervene, Amanda infiltrates her grandmother’s life and slowly gains power over her. Her actions escalate from insidious comments to faking a burglary to drugging Richard and raping him again.
I wanted Richard to fight back, but for much of the book, he doesn’t. I suspect two things are at work.
1: Amanda’s “sex lessons” (rape) as a teenager confused him. He can’t figure out whether it was sexual assault or not because of his body’s involuntary response to Amanda’s aggression. He mistakes the physical reaction for actual sexual desire. Because of his mental confusion, he doesn’t think he can tell anyone the full truth of what happened between them. He believes he wanted it and that it was his fault.
2: The gender reversal. If a female fights against a violent attacker, many people applaud. But if a male hits a female in self-defense? If he accuses her of sexual violence? There’s a far different reaction from the general public.
A. M. Stirling beautifully captures the complex dynamics of the predator-victim relationship. Gaslighting. Self-blame. Confusion.
But he also uses the gender reversal to question our cultural assumptions about men and women. Violence and perversion aren’t the domain of only one gender. Both males and females can be predators–and are in this novel–and both can be victims. That, too, becomes apparent in the story.
Pace
Bad Magic has a slower pace than many suspense novels. This works to its advantage because we have adequate time to understand the relationship between Richard and Amanda. At times, I became impatient, waiting for Richard to take action. But Stirling uses that pace to create a sense of dread at what happens next.
There are a lot of secrets in this family. Stirling takes his time revealing them to us, slowly peeling off layers of deceit to reveal the ugly truths beneath. In some cases, what we think is a revealed truth is really a half-truth. In others, it’s a lie.
Art
Given that I’m a sucker for art in fiction, it didn’t surprise me that I enjoyed reading about the art gallery. His current exhibition is the work of a young, rather neurotic artist whose impulsive actions put Richard’s relationship with a would-be rich patron at risk. I also liked Catherine, Richard’s gallery manager, who is rather innocent and deeply in love with him. But she’s no fool, either. Of all the characters in the book, she was one I could whole-heartedly cheer on.
Recommended
Bad Magic isn’t for everyone. It’s dark and often violent. As I said earlier, if you are sensitive to these issues, this probably isn’t a book for you. But I recommend it for those who like thoughtful suspense novels.
Thanks to Emma Welton of damppebblesblogtours and A. M. Stirling for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2019
I love discovering new authors and A. M. Stirling is definitely a new author for me. Having enjoyed reading 'Bad Magic' as much as I did, I can guarantee that I will be reading more of his work in the future. I really enjoyed reading 'Bad Magic' but more about that in a bit.
I have to be honest and say that it took me a little while to get into this book and that has more to do with the fact that I was tired and cannot be taken as a negative against the author. It took me a little while to get used to the fact that I shared the same first name of one of the main characters and she isn't that nice! Anyway once I got into the story that was it and I was away. I read the book in bursts rather than over the course of a single day but that worked to the advantage of the book in my opinion. I was gripped by the story and I had to keep reading to see how the story was going to pan out. I had my own suspicions about what was going to happen but I got is so wrong. I soon reached the end of the story which I had mixed feelings about. I was pleased to finish because it meant that I knew how the story ended but I was enjoying the author's writing style, the characters and the storylines so much that I wanted the book to continue for longer than it did.
'Bad Magic' is well written. The author has a writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. The author tackles some pretty tough subjects but he tells it how it is warts and all. The subject matter didn't distress me as I used to work within Childrens Social Services so that sort of information landed on our desks time and again. The author draws you into the story and once he has your attention, he will not let it go until the very moment you read the last word on the last page. The author has the knack of being able to build up the sense of tension in this story so much so that the air crackles in anticipation. I certainly felt the hairs stand up on the back of my neck at times. I can't say that I took to either of the main characters but I was still interested in what happened to them.
In short, I did enjoy reading 'Bad Magic' and I would recommend it to other readers. However, that said it might not be the sort of read for those who have been affected by abuse and bullying. I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
I have to be honest and say that it took me a little while to get into this book and that has more to do with the fact that I was tired and cannot be taken as a negative against the author. It took me a little while to get used to the fact that I shared the same first name of one of the main characters and she isn't that nice! Anyway once I got into the story that was it and I was away. I read the book in bursts rather than over the course of a single day but that worked to the advantage of the book in my opinion. I was gripped by the story and I had to keep reading to see how the story was going to pan out. I had my own suspicions about what was going to happen but I got is so wrong. I soon reached the end of the story which I had mixed feelings about. I was pleased to finish because it meant that I knew how the story ended but I was enjoying the author's writing style, the characters and the storylines so much that I wanted the book to continue for longer than it did.
'Bad Magic' is well written. The author has a writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. The author tackles some pretty tough subjects but he tells it how it is warts and all. The subject matter didn't distress me as I used to work within Childrens Social Services so that sort of information landed on our desks time and again. The author draws you into the story and once he has your attention, he will not let it go until the very moment you read the last word on the last page. The author has the knack of being able to build up the sense of tension in this story so much so that the air crackles in anticipation. I certainly felt the hairs stand up on the back of my neck at times. I can't say that I took to either of the main characters but I was still interested in what happened to them.
In short, I did enjoy reading 'Bad Magic' and I would recommend it to other readers. However, that said it might not be the sort of read for those who have been affected by abuse and bullying. I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
December 14, 2019
This review was first published on The World Of A Bookworm Blog.
** This ebook was kindly sent to me as part of a blog tour. This does not affect my opinion. **
A.M. Stirlings Bad Magic did something very curious to me. This book really messed with my mind, but it was so good. At some points, I didn’t know if I wanted to keep reading or pause for a moment. I didn’t know if I was curious about what would happen next or if I was disgusted by what was happening. I didn’t know if I was angry with the characters or if I should be showing compassion towards them.
And yes, I did get angry. Every time Amanda was all over Richard, I was almost screaming at my phone. I could not wrap my head around how Richard could let everything happen without fighting back. She bullied and sexually abused him all those years ago, and now, twenty years later, everything was happening all over again. I guess she played tricks with his mind, which made him not able to step up for himself. So, at the same time, I did understand why Richard would react that way. But, ohh I was angry!
Me getting angry at the characters is probably a sign that I was very much engaged with the story. The psychological games gripped me and did not let go off me. The whole story felt so real like I was watching someone I know personally go through all of this. As much as I enjoyed Bad Magic, I do think a trigger warning for incest and sexual abuse is necessary. I felt uncomfortable reading about Amanda sexually abusing Richard, so I can only imagine how unsettling this would be for people who are sensitive to these kinds of topics.
Stirlings writing style and storytelling really intrigued me from the start, and the story itself captured me from the very first chapter. I had just finished reading a very violent book, so reading Bad Magic was like a breath of fresh air. I was hooked! Can I also just say that I love the cover?! I wasn’t able to enjoy it much as I read it as an ebook, but just look at the picture. Isn’t it beautiful?
A.M. Stirling did a wonderful job in writing this and if you are into reading psychological games that mess with your head mixed with a little bit of art, I would definitely recommend Bad Magic.
** This ebook was kindly sent to me as part of a blog tour. This does not affect my opinion. **
A.M. Stirlings Bad Magic did something very curious to me. This book really messed with my mind, but it was so good. At some points, I didn’t know if I wanted to keep reading or pause for a moment. I didn’t know if I was curious about what would happen next or if I was disgusted by what was happening. I didn’t know if I was angry with the characters or if I should be showing compassion towards them.
And yes, I did get angry. Every time Amanda was all over Richard, I was almost screaming at my phone. I could not wrap my head around how Richard could let everything happen without fighting back. She bullied and sexually abused him all those years ago, and now, twenty years later, everything was happening all over again. I guess she played tricks with his mind, which made him not able to step up for himself. So, at the same time, I did understand why Richard would react that way. But, ohh I was angry!
Me getting angry at the characters is probably a sign that I was very much engaged with the story. The psychological games gripped me and did not let go off me. The whole story felt so real like I was watching someone I know personally go through all of this. As much as I enjoyed Bad Magic, I do think a trigger warning for incest and sexual abuse is necessary. I felt uncomfortable reading about Amanda sexually abusing Richard, so I can only imagine how unsettling this would be for people who are sensitive to these kinds of topics.
Stirlings writing style and storytelling really intrigued me from the start, and the story itself captured me from the very first chapter. I had just finished reading a very violent book, so reading Bad Magic was like a breath of fresh air. I was hooked! Can I also just say that I love the cover?! I wasn’t able to enjoy it much as I read it as an ebook, but just look at the picture. Isn’t it beautiful?
A.M. Stirling did a wonderful job in writing this and if you are into reading psychological games that mess with your head mixed with a little bit of art, I would definitely recommend Bad Magic.
December 29, 2019
Bad Magic is the utterly compelling debut novel from author, A.M. Stirling.
This psychological thriller was an eight-letter word, that for proprietary’s sake I won’t disclose here. *holds hands up* I’m trying to be good (*whispers* for a change).
I have to admit to spending most of this book with the hair on the back of my neck standing up. The author reeled me in with Richard and Amanda’s story. His writing kept me in a perpetual state of unease. Atmospheric? *snorts* Yeah, you could say that. *smirks*
Side note: This was not an ‘Amanda smirk’! (Heaven forbid *rolls eyes*.)
You all know I have an aversion to ‘foot-in-mouth’ disease on giving anything away, so please excuse my cryptic-ness (not a word, I know). Just trust me this one time that less is most definitely more.
Okay, okay. I’ll just say this then my lips are sealed...
Remember Newton’s third law? Well, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Simply put – decisions made can lead to ramifications that echo through time.
Nope *shakes head* that is all I’m saying on the matter.
Given the unsettling subject matter, I think readers will either love or hate this story. I don’t think there will be any in between. I, for one, loved it.
Did I like any of the characters? Pfft, did I heck as like. Yet, I couldn’t put the book down. I HAD to know how it ended.
Excitable much!
I drank far too much caffeine reading this story. Wired is an understatement! I’m off to decompress, and, hopefully *crosses fingers*, find a way to return my blood pressure to normal.
Wish me luck...
This psychological thriller was an eight-letter word, that for proprietary’s sake I won’t disclose here. *holds hands up* I’m trying to be good (*whispers* for a change).
I have to admit to spending most of this book with the hair on the back of my neck standing up. The author reeled me in with Richard and Amanda’s story. His writing kept me in a perpetual state of unease. Atmospheric? *snorts* Yeah, you could say that. *smirks*
Side note: This was not an ‘Amanda smirk’! (Heaven forbid *rolls eyes*.)
You all know I have an aversion to ‘foot-in-mouth’ disease on giving anything away, so please excuse my cryptic-ness (not a word, I know). Just trust me this one time that less is most definitely more.
Okay, okay. I’ll just say this then my lips are sealed...
Remember Newton’s third law? Well, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Simply put – decisions made can lead to ramifications that echo through time.
Nope *shakes head* that is all I’m saying on the matter.
Given the unsettling subject matter, I think readers will either love or hate this story. I don’t think there will be any in between. I, for one, loved it.
Did I like any of the characters? Pfft, did I heck as like. Yet, I couldn’t put the book down. I HAD to know how it ended.
Excitable much!
I drank far too much caffeine reading this story. Wired is an understatement! I’m off to decompress, and, hopefully *crosses fingers*, find a way to return my blood pressure to normal.
Wish me luck...
December 17, 2019
What to say about Bad Magic? Hmmm this was an easy and quick read but not what I was expecting at all. I went into this story expecting a psychological thriller full of stakes, twists and turns, that would keep me on the edge of my seat but unfortunately it didn’t.
I feel like the synopsis did not give this book any justice because I expected Richard to fight back against Amanda who has bullied and tormented him his while life but he just lies down and let’s her get away with everything. Richard was a very weak and one dimensional character and I didn’t really like him so things he said, thought and did had me rolling my eyes.
There was a few twists and turns towards the end which I didn’t see coming which I enjoyed and shocked me. These twists and turns did raise my rating to a three star.
I would recommend this thriller to people trying to branch out into thriller novels.
http://www.foreverthewanderer.ie/bad-...
I feel like the synopsis did not give this book any justice because I expected Richard to fight back against Amanda who has bullied and tormented him his while life but he just lies down and let’s her get away with everything. Richard was a very weak and one dimensional character and I didn’t really like him so things he said, thought and did had me rolling my eyes.
There was a few twists and turns towards the end which I didn’t see coming which I enjoyed and shocked me. These twists and turns did raise my rating to a three star.
I would recommend this thriller to people trying to branch out into thriller novels.
http://www.foreverthewanderer.ie/bad-...
November 5, 2019
Richard runs an art gallery. Unfortunately it’s not doing too well and he only gets by from cheques from his aunt. Twenty years ago his cousin Amanda bullied and abused him and he now meets her again after this long gap. He now has a girlfriend and the tension between him and Amanda is rather telling to say the least. He has heard rumours about her past as well as his own experiences. Is she up to her old tricks again and could someones life be in danger? A book mainly about relationships and families with secrets and how complex they can be and how things that have happened many many years before can form our judgement of someone in stone, something that is very difficult to change. Of who to trust and who not to turn your back on, just in case they stab you. For me a little convoluted, but nevertheless an interesting read.
December 10, 2019
3.5 rounded up.
I went into this book completely blind without even reading the synopsis, I saw the cover which intrigued me and I just said yes! So it was definitely a shock to the system when I started reading about the abusive sexual relationship between cousins Richard and Amanda. This was pretty unusual in the sense that Amanda was the aggressor taking advantage of Richard from a young age giving him “sex lessons”. Bad Magic is a tough read, I have never been affected by this topic so it would definitely be something to bare in mind if you do find yourself sensitive to the topic of sexual abuse.
Read the rest of my review here: https://feedthecrime.wordpress.com/20...
I went into this book completely blind without even reading the synopsis, I saw the cover which intrigued me and I just said yes! So it was definitely a shock to the system when I started reading about the abusive sexual relationship between cousins Richard and Amanda. This was pretty unusual in the sense that Amanda was the aggressor taking advantage of Richard from a young age giving him “sex lessons”. Bad Magic is a tough read, I have never been affected by this topic so it would definitely be something to bare in mind if you do find yourself sensitive to the topic of sexual abuse.
Read the rest of my review here: https://feedthecrime.wordpress.com/20...
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