From the Bookshelf of Nothing But Reading Challenges…

A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking

T. Kingfisher

Start date: February 1, 2022

Finish date: February 28, 2022

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What Members Thought

Feb 09, 2021 Beth rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, kidlit, childrens

Fun and quirky, with a great protagonist who enlists and squad of helpful allies, from the brother of the corpse she finds on the first page to the gingerbread familiar she absent-mindedly makes. I thought the ending was a bit deus-machina, but it had been suggested earlier so it wasn't crazy. And I liked the time it took to explore the meaning of heroism, and what kids can do and what should be expected of them.

And it made me even happier that I have not started baking sourdough during the pand ...more

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Jun 15, 2025 Marla rated it really liked it

Shelves: with-reservations, fantasy, 2025, adult, young-adult, girl-power, mystery, magic, made-me-cry, made-me-laugh

. Very interesting premise of poweerful and minor wizards with interesting powers and a great concept of saving the day with magical baking. I often say just because it's different doesn't mean it's good, but this is unique, unusual and superb.

I dare you to read this and not dwell on how you would save the city with your baking. (view spoiler) ...more

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Jan 13, 2025 Vickie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle, fantasy, 2025

This is my first book I've read by T. Kingfisher and it absolutely will not be my last. This started out as a mystery, with the main character, Mona, finding a dead body on the floor of the family bakery where she worked.
It quickly turned into magical evil trying to gain foothold in the city by killing off all of the magical users, even the ones like Mona who only did small magics. Hers with dough for baking.
Her life spirals out of control until she decides to take her life back and do somethi ...more

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