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Magic Dark and Strange
The Bone Witch meets Sherlock Holmes in this thrilling historical fantasy about a girl with the ability to raise the dead who must delve into her city's dangerous magical underworld to stop a series of murders.
Catherine Daly has an unusual talent. By day she works for a printer. But by night, she awakens the dead for a few precious moments with loved ones seeking a final goodbye. But this magic comes with a for every hour that a ghost is brought back, Catherine loses an hour from her own life.
When Catherine is given the unusual task of collecting a timepiece from an old grave, she is sure that the mysterious item must contain some kind of enchantment. So she enlists Guy Nolan, the watchmaker's son, to help her dig it up. But instead of a timepiece, they find a the body of a teenage boy. And as they watch, he comes back to life—not as the pale imitation that Catherine can conjure, but as a living, breathing boy. A boy with no memory of his past.
This magic is more powerful than any Catherine has ever encountered, and revealing it brings dangerous enemies. Catherine and Guy must race to unravel the connection between the missing timepiece and the undead boy. For this mysterious magic could mean the difference between life and death—for all of them.
Catherine Daly has an unusual talent. By day she works for a printer. But by night, she awakens the dead for a few precious moments with loved ones seeking a final goodbye. But this magic comes with a for every hour that a ghost is brought back, Catherine loses an hour from her own life.
When Catherine is given the unusual task of collecting a timepiece from an old grave, she is sure that the mysterious item must contain some kind of enchantment. So she enlists Guy Nolan, the watchmaker's son, to help her dig it up. But instead of a timepiece, they find a the body of a teenage boy. And as they watch, he comes back to life—not as the pale imitation that Catherine can conjure, but as a living, breathing boy. A boy with no memory of his past.
This magic is more powerful than any Catherine has ever encountered, and revealing it brings dangerous enemies. Catherine and Guy must race to unravel the connection between the missing timepiece and the undead boy. For this mysterious magic could mean the difference between life and death—for all of them.
6 pages, Audio CD
First published October 27, 2020
45 people are currently reading
3566 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Powell
2 books112 followersKelly Powell writes fantasy for young adults and currently lives in Ontario, Canada. She has a bachelor's degree in history and book & media studies from the University of Toronto.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
June 2, 2024
My kindle’s battery needed to charge so I picked this little book (200 pages) up in the meantime. This was such a wholesome read🥺
Miss Daly digs graves to offer families a final goodbye (she has a little bit of magic). Her boss then sets her up to find a timepiece that apparently brings people back to life… but instead of the timepiece : she digs up a teenage boy - alive.
It was an amazing read. The characters were so adorable.
Miss Daly digs graves to offer families a final goodbye (she has a little bit of magic). Her boss then sets her up to find a timepiece that apparently brings people back to life… but instead of the timepiece : she digs up a teenage boy - alive.
It was an amazing read. The characters were so adorable.
November 9, 2020
This book was an excellent read! Definitely in time for a Halloween read because six chapters into the book and I have been spending a lot of time with the main character at a cemetery. I liked learning bits of history in books, like how Catherine worked at the newspaper building and lived there full-time. Also interesting that there were lamplighters with their poles and ladders to light the street lamps! The odd jobs teens do back in the day was interesting. I liked the slow burning romance. It's definitely cute when a guy attempted at love.
This story followed Catherine, 17, told in the third person point of view, as she and a co-worker were out in the cemetery digging a grave in the night. They were watched on by Geoffrey, an older brother to Mary who lay dead six feet under. He's here to say farewell to her, where Catherine's job provided. Catherine has some magic that can wake Mary up for an hour so she can be with her brother. Her boss Ainsworth wanted Catherine to retrieve a timepiece from the public cemetery that has the magical power to bring the dead fully back to life. She brought along the watchmaker's son, Guy Nolan, from down the street to analyze the timepiece. But when they dig up the grave, the timepiece was missing and the person laying dead there was fully restored. Catherine now has a big problem on her hands because the guy couldn't recalled who he was and her boss seemed to have been murdered for wanting to find the timepiece. There's an epilogue to end the story.
Magic Dark and Strange was well written! The characters were well liked. The mystery and different magic was intriguing. I liked historical fiction for the proper way everyone spoke to each other. It was cute how Owen asked for a last name so that others could call him by it. Now people are asked if they want to donate their bodies to science after their death but it's a surprising feature to learn of what others do back then after a person's funeral. I liked how the mystery came together in the end. I recommend everyone to read this book!
xoxo, Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster for inviting me to host a blog tour. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
This story followed Catherine, 17, told in the third person point of view, as she and a co-worker were out in the cemetery digging a grave in the night. They were watched on by Geoffrey, an older brother to Mary who lay dead six feet under. He's here to say farewell to her, where Catherine's job provided. Catherine has some magic that can wake Mary up for an hour so she can be with her brother. Her boss Ainsworth wanted Catherine to retrieve a timepiece from the public cemetery that has the magical power to bring the dead fully back to life. She brought along the watchmaker's son, Guy Nolan, from down the street to analyze the timepiece. But when they dig up the grave, the timepiece was missing and the person laying dead there was fully restored. Catherine now has a big problem on her hands because the guy couldn't recalled who he was and her boss seemed to have been murdered for wanting to find the timepiece. There's an epilogue to end the story.
Magic Dark and Strange was well written! The characters were well liked. The mystery and different magic was intriguing. I liked historical fiction for the proper way everyone spoke to each other. It was cute how Owen asked for a last name so that others could call him by it. Now people are asked if they want to donate their bodies to science after their death but it's a surprising feature to learn of what others do back then after a person's funeral. I liked how the mystery came together in the end. I recommend everyone to read this book!
xoxo, Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster for inviting me to host a blog tour. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
November 10, 2020
What even happened in this book? The premise was so amazing and yet...it was so boring. The characters talked like they were forty year olds instead of the teenagers they supposedly were, and it wasn’t nearly as mysterious or magical it should’ve been. I’m struggling to write this review as I truly cannot recall a single plot point, but I know enough to tell you not to read this book.
Want to read
February 5, 2020THAT COVER!!!!!
GIMME GIMME GIMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GIMME GIMME GIMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 1, 2020
MAGIC DARK AND STRANGE is a YA historical fantasy set in the Victorian-like city of Invercarn. The main character is 17-year old Catherine Daly who works at a print shop by day, and by night she raises the dead for grieving families who just want a few more moments with their departed loved ones — for a price. She and Guy Nolan, a watchmaker's son, end up entangled in a mystery involving a charmed timepiece said to be buried in an unmarked grave. Catherine's boss wants her to retrieve this item at any cost, but she and Guy get more than they bargained for when the coffin is opened.
There was much to enjoy in this Gothic mystery — dark atmosphere, creepy cemeteries, slow-burn romance, clever characters, and a Victorian setting. I was disappointed, though, with the lack of world-building. All of this amazing magic, and no explanation of where it comes from and how it works. Why is Catherine magical? Has she always been that way? It almost felt like this was book two of a series. Some backstory was missing. MAGIC DARK AND STRANGE had a lot of potential, but it needed to be fleshed out more.
There was much to enjoy in this Gothic mystery — dark atmosphere, creepy cemeteries, slow-burn romance, clever characters, and a Victorian setting. I was disappointed, though, with the lack of world-building. All of this amazing magic, and no explanation of where it comes from and how it works. Why is Catherine magical? Has she always been that way? It almost felt like this was book two of a series. Some backstory was missing. MAGIC DARK AND STRANGE had a lot of potential, but it needed to be fleshed out more.
October 25, 2020
When I was pitched this book, I couldn’t resist it. Between the synopsis and cover, I was intrigued.
I liked Catherine. She’s smart and good and wants the best for the people she cares about. Guy is a charming, adorable marshmallow and Owen is filled with awkwardness, but rightfully so.
Plot wise, it felt like I was dropped in the middle of a story I should already be familiar with. There isn’t any mention of why magic exists or why only certain people have it and the explanation of a person’s ability and effect of using it was very glossed over. The thread about the timepiece and the resulting murderer didn’t quite have the sense of urgency I was expecting, but I did enjoy the ending and brief epilogue.
Overall, I was interested in the characters and their journey. This story had loads of potential, but I could have done with more world building and details.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
I liked Catherine. She’s smart and good and wants the best for the people she cares about. Guy is a charming, adorable marshmallow and Owen is filled with awkwardness, but rightfully so.
Plot wise, it felt like I was dropped in the middle of a story I should already be familiar with. There isn’t any mention of why magic exists or why only certain people have it and the explanation of a person’s ability and effect of using it was very glossed over. The thread about the timepiece and the resulting murderer didn’t quite have the sense of urgency I was expecting, but I did enjoy the ending and brief epilogue.
Overall, I was interested in the characters and their journey. This story had loads of potential, but I could have done with more world building and details.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
Read
October 5, 2022DNF @ 5%
Yeah yeah I know 5% isn't far, but I don't want to continue on reading a book that bores me from the jump, especially when I'm in no mood to read it
Yeah yeah I know 5% isn't far, but I don't want to continue on reading a book that bores me from the jump, especially when I'm in no mood to read it
November 16, 2020
What a delightfully captivating tale, despite the lack of world-building. Rather than explain the magic, it just was. I have so many questions!?! While we understand the cost; we learn nothing of the world and how this magic came about. I would have liked a longer story with more depth. Having stated that, the characters and mystery were delightful, as was the twist on necromancy.
The more Catherine and Guy looked for answers, the more danger arose. Catherine was quite clever in pulling together clues, and the red herrings and twists kept me listening.
This has all the details one would expect surrounding historical graveyards, including grave robberies in the name of science.
Karissa Vacker narrates, and her voice suited this historical tale. She provided unique voices for each character and helped set the tone. I found after listening to the first chapter that the narration felt slow. I increased the speed and finally settled on 1.5x.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
The more Catherine and Guy looked for answers, the more danger arose. Catherine was quite clever in pulling together clues, and the red herrings and twists kept me listening.
This has all the details one would expect surrounding historical graveyards, including grave robberies in the name of science.
Karissa Vacker narrates, and her voice suited this historical tale. She provided unique voices for each character and helped set the tone. I found after listening to the first chapter that the narration felt slow. I increased the speed and finally settled on 1.5x.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
December 2, 2020
Unfortunately I didn’t click with the story. In my opinion, there’s a lack of description on the time period, the culture, the surroundings and the clothing. These details are much needed for me to ‘see’ the world where the story takes place and I simply couldn’t make it happen.
Also, I think the characters cry quite a lot in this book, like I’m never seen before. It was a bit too much.
The plot had a lot of potential, however. It was quite original and refreshing. It was just lacking in important parts for me.
Also, I think the characters cry quite a lot in this book, like I’m never seen before. It was a bit too much.
The plot had a lot of potential, however. It was quite original and refreshing. It was just lacking in important parts for me.
Want to read
July 28, 2020thank goodness I've been working around books for years so my arms are strong enough to hold all these new YA fantasy releases
LOOK AT THAT BEAUTIFULLY HAUNTING COVER
LOOK AT THAT BEAUTIFULLY HAUNTING COVER
November 4, 2020
Magic Dark and Strange was such a fun book to dive into. In it, you will meet Catherine and Guy. Now Catherine was pretty interesting all on her own. She kind of lives two different lives because during the day she works for a printer. By night she visits cemeteries and wakes up the dead so that their loves ones can say goodbye. Of course, there is a catch to what she does during the night life and I'm not even sure how to process it.
While reading this book, I had endless questions being formed in my mind. The reason why is because the whole magic thing wasn't really dived into. Yeah, we know that some people have it and others are just muggles. We just don't know why.
Then there's the twists throughout this book. Again, I'm not going to lie - I was confused as to why certain things happened. Other than that, the romance was okay but felt a bit random to me. I came for the magic and mystery but somehow got more romance and confusion than anything else.
In the end, it was a pretty good book that had potential to be a lot better.
While reading this book, I had endless questions being formed in my mind. The reason why is because the whole magic thing wasn't really dived into. Yeah, we know that some people have it and others are just muggles. We just don't know why.
Then there's the twists throughout this book. Again, I'm not going to lie - I was confused as to why certain things happened. Other than that, the romance was okay but felt a bit random to me. I came for the magic and mystery but somehow got more romance and confusion than anything else.
In the end, it was a pretty good book that had potential to be a lot better.
April 22, 2021
So this was an intriguing idea, but not as flushed out as it could have been. The magic system was confusing. How come some people can raise the dead and others cannot? Why would Catherine want to take a job that involves raising the dead if the cost is one hour from her life each time she does it? Why didn’t she then raise the murder victims - to ask them who killed them and how? None of the characters were well developed, I think because the book was so short. It was a quick read, but I wouldn’t really recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2020
When I first saw that gorgeous cover, I was in love and I was hoping for a new favorite book. And while I was interested and entertained for the most part, a part of me is a little bit underwhelmed but I want to focus on the positives here. Magic Dark and Strange follows a girl who left her home in the country to work. There, she also finds out that her job will include resurrecting dead people for a short time so that their loved ones can say good-bye (for a price). Every hour given to that person is taken out of her own life. That part of her magic was interesting but I feel like it wasn't really developed as much as I thought it would. However, when a dead boy resurrect in front of them when she's looking for a timepiece her boss is looking for, she doesn't know what happened or why since she had nothing to do with it. The timepiece is also missing and she'll have to figure out what's going on. The ending/reveal of who did it wasn't surprising.
January 14, 2023
2.50 ★
i just wanted to hand it back to the author and say 'fantastic pitch, now turn it into a full-length novel'
➸ Trigger warnings for .
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
i just wanted to hand it back to the author and say 'fantastic pitch, now turn it into a full-length novel'
➸ Trigger warnings for .
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
January 16, 2021
Meh. The idea for this book is so interesting and holds so much promise, but it ended up boring and devolved into a romance. And if the male lead could stop crying enough to do anything useful, the plot would be a lot faster. Pass.
January 17, 2021
The book was so boring. No character development. No plot. Really all the characters were doing was running around looking for a watch. No mystery or suspense.
January 4, 2021
Rating: 4 Stars ★★★★
Magic Dark And Strange is a gothic-style YA Fantasy about a girl with the ability to raise the dead & a watchmaker's son who team up to solve a series of murders when a boy comes back to life! Powell delivers an atmospheric, immersive tale perfect for those who enjoy more quiet and character-driven mysteries!
↠ Magic Dark And Strange ARC Review 💀💜
Having read and adored Powell's debut, I was so happy to have an early copy of this sent my way. I definitely think her books are underrated and would be perfect for those who enjoy Margaret Rogerson's standalone YA Fantasy novels too! (*tbh was hoping to finish this 2 months ago, but life got busy and I just had to finish it before the end of 2020 XD)
Catherine works at the local paper in the magical city of Invercarn, when she's tasked with finding a magical timepiece by her boss or risk being fired. With no other leads, she heads to the local watchmaker's shop to ask for clues where she meets Guy Nolan, watchmaker's son who joins her on her adventure! This leads Catherine to use her necromancy to bring a boy back to life.
When the boy awakens, he has no memories of who he is and doesn't know about a timepiece. Taking up the name Owen, the three of them hangout at the watchmaker shop while they try to gather more clues. But when rumors of this powerful timepiece begin to leading to murders, Catherine is under even more pressure to find the watch without being detected.
As with Powell's previous book, I love how friendship is such a core element of the story and shown through the dynamics between the trio! Romance is there, but is very much left to the side which is really refreshing in YA Fantasy. Guy, Catherine and Owen are always there to support each other, offer advice, and just show their vulnerability (especially the male characters) which I thought was really nice.
The world's that Powell creates are no doubt unique, immersive, and carry such a whimsical quality to them, it's one of the many great qualities of her novels that has made her an underrated fave! Within the city of Invercarn, it's clear magical side businesses are what keep many places open...however, I felt while it was established, there's little to no exploration beyond the basics--What other kinds of odd magical jobs do other places do, how do the different layers of this magic system work? We sadly never really get those answers.
Another major issue I had was the build-up of the mystery, which itself is fascinating! Who was Owen in his previous life, what happened to him and whose responsible? These are all fascinating questions the book is trying to solve. However, while that's happening + the trio is trying to find the timepiece, it mainly goes back and forth between different places or characters, where they are kind of left wondering what to do next. It isn't until over 1/2 way through the book where more clues begin to appear. I think the slice of life moments were nice, but with how interesting the mystery itself is, there could have been more urgency.
Powell's writing makes this book so readable and just fun! The writing could be repetitive and simplistic in some areas, which doesn't add too much detail to the world itself, but for the specific atmosphere and setting we're given, you really feel like your in Invercarn. The print shop, victorian-esque architecture, clothing, and even way the characters speak give it a very particular quality that stands out.
Despite my critiques, I'll absolutely be reading Powell's next inventive, creative YA Fantasy because no matter what I always leave each of her books feeling like I was on a grand adventure!
Magic Dark And Strange is an immersive YA Fantasy with necromancy and a murder-mystery set in a Victorian-esque, gothic setting! Although quiet, the story delivers a compelling plot and mystery, alongside enjoyable characters that will leave you turning the page! Powell's YA Fantasy standalones are perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson!
[ Read from Oct. 25 - Dec. 28, 2020] Originally read as an ARC, which was sent to me by the publisher!
Magic Dark And Strange is a gothic-style YA Fantasy about a girl with the ability to raise the dead & a watchmaker's son who team up to solve a series of murders when a boy comes back to life! Powell delivers an atmospheric, immersive tale perfect for those who enjoy more quiet and character-driven mysteries!
↠ Magic Dark And Strange ARC Review 💀💜
Having read and adored Powell's debut, I was so happy to have an early copy of this sent my way. I definitely think her books are underrated and would be perfect for those who enjoy Margaret Rogerson's standalone YA Fantasy novels too! (*tbh was hoping to finish this 2 months ago, but life got busy and I just had to finish it before the end of 2020 XD)
Catherine works at the local paper in the magical city of Invercarn, when she's tasked with finding a magical timepiece by her boss or risk being fired. With no other leads, she heads to the local watchmaker's shop to ask for clues where she meets Guy Nolan, watchmaker's son who joins her on her adventure! This leads Catherine to use her necromancy to bring a boy back to life.
When the boy awakens, he has no memories of who he is and doesn't know about a timepiece. Taking up the name Owen, the three of them hangout at the watchmaker shop while they try to gather more clues. But when rumors of this powerful timepiece begin to leading to murders, Catherine is under even more pressure to find the watch without being detected.
As with Powell's previous book, I love how friendship is such a core element of the story and shown through the dynamics between the trio! Romance is there, but is very much left to the side which is really refreshing in YA Fantasy. Guy, Catherine and Owen are always there to support each other, offer advice, and just show their vulnerability (especially the male characters) which I thought was really nice.
The world's that Powell creates are no doubt unique, immersive, and carry such a whimsical quality to them, it's one of the many great qualities of her novels that has made her an underrated fave! Within the city of Invercarn, it's clear magical side businesses are what keep many places open...however, I felt while it was established, there's little to no exploration beyond the basics--What other kinds of odd magical jobs do other places do, how do the different layers of this magic system work? We sadly never really get those answers.
Another major issue I had was the build-up of the mystery, which itself is fascinating! Who was Owen in his previous life, what happened to him and whose responsible? These are all fascinating questions the book is trying to solve. However, while that's happening + the trio is trying to find the timepiece, it mainly goes back and forth between different places or characters, where they are kind of left wondering what to do next. It isn't until over 1/2 way through the book where more clues begin to appear. I think the slice of life moments were nice, but with how interesting the mystery itself is, there could have been more urgency.
Powell's writing makes this book so readable and just fun! The writing could be repetitive and simplistic in some areas, which doesn't add too much detail to the world itself, but for the specific atmosphere and setting we're given, you really feel like your in Invercarn. The print shop, victorian-esque architecture, clothing, and even way the characters speak give it a very particular quality that stands out.
Despite my critiques, I'll absolutely be reading Powell's next inventive, creative YA Fantasy because no matter what I always leave each of her books feeling like I was on a grand adventure!
Magic Dark And Strange is an immersive YA Fantasy with necromancy and a murder-mystery set in a Victorian-esque, gothic setting! Although quiet, the story delivers a compelling plot and mystery, alongside enjoyable characters that will leave you turning the page! Powell's YA Fantasy standalones are perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson!
[ Read from Oct. 25 - Dec. 28, 2020] Originally read as an ARC, which was sent to me by the publisher!
July 20, 2021
A boy comes back to life after 20 years with no recollection of the past.
Catherine and Guy (his name is literally Guy, don't judge him) were hoping for a valuable timepiece but ended up having to babysit a 15-year-old who is supposed to be way older than them.
While juggling their new kid-who-is-actually-older-than-them, the pair dig around their town looking for information on this timepiece because it can bring people back to life, and someone had killed this boy for it and will do it again if they have to.
There was no plot. It was just two kids running around the town with a corpse and communicating like 40-year-olds. The real reason I gave this book 3 stars is Guy. A TOTAL GENTLEMAN. Well mannered, made sure Catherine was comfortable before making any advances, ASKING HER PERMISSION TO KISS HER (!!). Iconic part, instead of saying the usual "you're hot" or whatever, this gentleman tells her "I admire you." SEE. TOTAL GENTLEMAN.
Catherine and Guy (his name is literally Guy, don't judge him) were hoping for a valuable timepiece but ended up having to babysit a 15-year-old who is supposed to be way older than them.
While juggling their new kid-who-is-actually-older-than-them, the pair dig around their town looking for information on this timepiece because it can bring people back to life, and someone had killed this boy for it and will do it again if they have to.
There was no plot. It was just two kids running around the town with a corpse and communicating like 40-year-olds. The real reason I gave this book 3 stars is Guy. A TOTAL GENTLEMAN. Well mannered, made sure Catherine was comfortable before making any advances, ASKING HER PERMISSION TO KISS HER (!!). Iconic part, instead of saying the usual "you're hot" or whatever, this gentleman tells her "I admire you." SEE. TOTAL GENTLEMAN.
October 29, 2020
"I can't help but wonder," he said, "if more dreadfulness is yet to happen, if we've only just stepped into the dark."
I really wish I could've given this more than 3 stars. The book started out strong and atmospheric but quickly plateaued. I kept waiting and waiting but nothing ever really happened. I wanted more magic, more romance, more something...the characters spent a lot time just walking around investigating, it got old fast. I think this had an interesting premise, some beautiful prose, and a potentially cool magic system. Unfortunately things weren't fully fleshed out or expanded on and the plot seemed to drag. Not a bad read, just expected to like it a lot more than I did.
I really wish I could've given this more than 3 stars. The book started out strong and atmospheric but quickly plateaued. I kept waiting and waiting but nothing ever really happened. I wanted more magic, more romance, more something...the characters spent a lot time just walking around investigating, it got old fast. I think this had an interesting premise, some beautiful prose, and a potentially cool magic system. Unfortunately things weren't fully fleshed out or expanded on and the plot seemed to drag. Not a bad read, just expected to like it a lot more than I did.
November 20, 2020
This was a quick and engaging magical mystery set in the Victorian era. I absolutely adored the historical setting as I'm fascinated with this time period. Lanterns, cobblestone drives, horse carriages, bonnets, chiffon, and apprenticeships! Oh my!
But I do have to agree with most of the reviews in that the book did lack world building and character background which would have most likely fulfilled its expectations from that captivating front cover (which is why I felt compelled to drop a star). Overall though, it compensated for this by being very focused instead on the present predicament, leading the reader on a trail of clues to solve a unique kind of mystery.
Now just a little forewarning, the character's ways of speaking may seem strange to start with due to its formality, but just remember this was how people spoke in the Victorian era—even young people. Informality was treated with politeness.
So, if you are looking for a little magic in your life surrounded by an intriguing mystery, I recommend this story!
But I do have to agree with most of the reviews in that the book did lack world building and character background which would have most likely fulfilled its expectations from that captivating front cover (which is why I felt compelled to drop a star). Overall though, it compensated for this by being very focused instead on the present predicament, leading the reader on a trail of clues to solve a unique kind of mystery.
Now just a little forewarning, the character's ways of speaking may seem strange to start with due to its formality, but just remember this was how people spoke in the Victorian era—even young people. Informality was treated with politeness.
So, if you are looking for a little magic in your life surrounded by an intriguing mystery, I recommend this story!
January 19, 2021
I have to say, I really enjoyed this novel. But it could have been better.
This novel had a gorgeous story of a world where time is borrowed, given, and stolen, whether it's for a few more hours with a loved one whose passed or a few hours to live a bit longer for your family. It shows how normalized for this entire world that this transaction has become, even though it still invokes fear in it's users from time to time. This story also did a great job at instilling the idea that men have weakness and emotional desires and issues, portraying both Mr. Smith and Guy as very emotional beings, but still strong in their own mannerisms. That being said, the main character's emotions were a complete mystery the entire time. I do not believe I recall a singular time that I completely knew how the character felt.
This novel had a gorgeous story of a world where time is borrowed, given, and stolen, whether it's for a few more hours with a loved one whose passed or a few hours to live a bit longer for your family. It shows how normalized for this entire world that this transaction has become, even though it still invokes fear in it's users from time to time. This story also did a great job at instilling the idea that men have weakness and emotional desires and issues, portraying both Mr. Smith and Guy as very emotional beings, but still strong in their own mannerisms. That being said, the main character's emotions were a complete mystery the entire time. I do not believe I recall a singular time that I completely knew how the character felt.
December 14, 2020
32% DNF this never got more interesting. boo.
November 18, 2020
I received and ARC copy of this from Margaret K. McElderry Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This was a really atmospheric historical mystery series with fun magical elements! It was a super quick and easy read that I absolutely flew through. It's just not a story I see sticking with me long after putting it down.
This had a really fun magical twist on a classic feeling historical mystery. I love mysteries set during the Victorian era and this definitely fit that bill. The characters were likable but they didn't feel particularly robust or developed.
Overall I had a really good time reading this and think it's a perfect quick read for fall or the spooky season. It's definitely something a wide range of readers will enjoy! It's just not something I will come back to again and again.
This was a really atmospheric historical mystery series with fun magical elements! It was a super quick and easy read that I absolutely flew through. It's just not a story I see sticking with me long after putting it down.
This had a really fun magical twist on a classic feeling historical mystery. I love mysteries set during the Victorian era and this definitely fit that bill. The characters were likable but they didn't feel particularly robust or developed.
Overall I had a really good time reading this and think it's a perfect quick read for fall or the spooky season. It's definitely something a wide range of readers will enjoy! It's just not something I will come back to again and again.
October 4, 2020
2.5 stars - I was very excitedly received this beautiful arc from the lovely people at Simon and Schuster UK. I feel in love with this book when I saw the cover; then reading it is said to be a mixture of Sherlock Holmes and The Bone Witch.....how could you not want to read this! I was bouncing up and down waiting for it to arrive (even setting the cover to my phone background in anticipation). Seeing it in person the cover was even more beautiful and re-reading the blurb I could not hold myself back and went straight into the story......
Unfortunately, I was disappointed. The blurb and cover promised so much but the writing just did not feel like it captured me. The base of the story and characters is really good and I loved! I just felt like the story was missing so much that could have been included to make it amazing and honestly a 4 or 5 star book. If you had said to me this is a middle grade book it would be a 3.5-4 star as the writing and way the story is set out would fit with that.
I am sorry in advantage for the negativity so I am first going to say the positive things about the book; the cover, the concept and I would recommend this for a beach read. The kind of book you take on holiday and easily read on the beach while enjoying the weather. So to be short and sweet about the negative side.....the story is very slow, the writing did not flow and there was no depth to the world and no real explanation for the magic or anything that happens. It was missing so much depth that I was reading words rather than reading the story and my mind getting involved in it. I am disappointed because as I said it had the potential to be so amazing and truly a 4-5 star read.....but it just did not even grip me a bit. I still do not know how the magic in this world works or the rest why the villain did what he did.....he was not mentioned enough. I am sorry....I wanted to love it....but I just can't. :(
Unfortunately, I was disappointed. The blurb and cover promised so much but the writing just did not feel like it captured me. The base of the story and characters is really good and I loved! I just felt like the story was missing so much that could have been included to make it amazing and honestly a 4 or 5 star book. If you had said to me this is a middle grade book it would be a 3.5-4 star as the writing and way the story is set out would fit with that.
I am sorry in advantage for the negativity so I am first going to say the positive things about the book; the cover, the concept and I would recommend this for a beach read. The kind of book you take on holiday and easily read on the beach while enjoying the weather. So to be short and sweet about the negative side.....the story is very slow, the writing did not flow and there was no depth to the world and no real explanation for the magic or anything that happens. It was missing so much depth that I was reading words rather than reading the story and my mind getting involved in it. I am disappointed because as I said it had the potential to be so amazing and truly a 4-5 star read.....but it just did not even grip me a bit. I still do not know how the magic in this world works or the rest why the villain did what he did.....he was not mentioned enough. I am sorry....I wanted to love it....but I just can't. :(
June 9, 2021
Fun, quick novel.
December 17, 2020
First off, I just want to say that I love the premise of the story, however I do wish there was more in depth description of the setting that the main character, Catherine is in. If the novel centers on magic and how people use magic throughout every day lives, then why isn't there more discussion to highlight on side of the story? It was frustrating to see how Catherine and her new companions made their way through each obstacle (if you can call them that). None of the road blocks appeared to be too difficult or made a way for character development. All the characters were flat and one dimensional; unfortunately I felt that the book could have been better if it had explored more of the magic world, dug deeper into who the mysterious boy was (he's story felt too simplistic and uncharted as a character), and lastly, the watch itself was a let down. Wish I could have enjoyed the book and had something more positive to say but the novel left me unimpressed.
March 5, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 stars
This book was very interesting and different from what I normally read. It’s a fantasy, but a little on the darker side. I really enjoyed the writing and all of the characters and their different traits. I think it all fit in together well. It was a pretty short book and got straight to the point, which is great.
I do wish we could’ve had more romance though. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the slow burn but I needed more afterwards, the ending didn’t satisfy me.
Overall, a pretty good book and I would recommend if you want something different.
This book was very interesting and different from what I normally read. It’s a fantasy, but a little on the darker side. I really enjoyed the writing and all of the characters and their different traits. I think it all fit in together well. It was a pretty short book and got straight to the point, which is great.
I do wish we could’ve had more romance though. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the slow burn but I needed more afterwards, the ending didn’t satisfy me.
Overall, a pretty good book and I would recommend if you want something different.
October 22, 2023
I'm usually more lenient with my ratings but I really lost count of the amount of times I fell asleep while reading this 😪 The majority of this book was the main characters sitting around doing nothing, then making a plan to go somewhere else to yep, you guessed it.. sit around and do nothing! #classic👌
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