Sunday, November 3, 2024

Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood

A spellbinding tale of magic, friendship, and second chances

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"Rewitched" is like a warm cup of tea on a chilly autumn evening – comforting, satisfying, and just magical enough to make you believe in possibilities. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it carves out its own charming niche in the world of magical fiction.

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There’s something undeniably enchanting about stories that blend magic with the mundane, especially when they’re set against the backdrop of crisp autumn days and cozy bookshops. Lucy Jane Wood’s debut novel “Rewitched” delivers exactly this bewitching combination, wrapping readers in a warm embrace of found family, slow-burn romance, and the ever-important journey of self-discovery.

The Story’s Spell

Belle Blackthorn is your typical thirty-something bookshop manager – except for the tiny detail that she’s also a witch. But unlike the powerful practitioners in her family, Belle’s magic has become more of an afterthought, relegated to simple tasks like summoning coffee cups and fixing photocopiers. When her thirtieth birthday brings an unexpected trial from her coven that could strip her of her powers forever, Belle must confront not only her neglected abilities but also her own self-doubt.

What Works Like Magic

Character Development

Wood excels at crafting believable, flawed characters who feel like old friends from the first page. Belle’s struggle with imposter syndrome and her tendency to put others first will resonate with many readers. The supporting cast is equally well-drawn:

  • Ariadne, Belle’s non-magical best friend, brings warmth and humor
  • Artorius Day, the mysterious mentor with a dark past
  • Rune Dunstan, the infuriatingly attractive watchman who’s more than meets the eye

World-Building

The magical system Wood creates feels both fresh and familiar. The integration of witchcraft into modern London life is seamlessly done, with clever details like:

  • Magical bookshop enhancement spells
  • The complex politics of the Selcouth coven
  • The creative use of everyday magic in mundane situations

Writing Style

Wood’s prose is delightfully engaging, sprinkling humor throughout even tenser moments. Her descriptions of magical moments are particularly vivid, making readers feel the spark and sizzle of spells.

Where the Magic Falters

Pacing Issues

The novel takes its time finding its rhythm in the first few chapters. While the slow build works for the romance aspect, some readers might find the initial world-building exposition a bit heavy-handed.

Plot Predictability

While the overall story is engaging, certain plot twists—particularly regarding the Gowden sisters—might be obvious to seasoned fantasy readers. However, Wood’s execution of these reveals still manages to be satisfying.

Secondary Character Development

Some secondary characters, particularly at Lunar Books, could have been fleshed out more fully to add depth to Belle’s non-magical world.

Romance & Relationships

The slow-burn romance between Belle and Rune is masterfully crafted, with their initial antagonism gradually transforming into something deeper. Their banter is particularly enjoyable, though some readers might find the “will-they-won’t-they” dynamic stretched a bit thin.

The real heart of the story, however, lies in the various relationships Belle nurtures:

  • Her deep friendship with Ariadne
  • The complex mother-daughter dynamic with Bonnie
  • The unexpected connection with Artorius

Themes & Messages

Wood weaves several powerful themes throughout the narrative:

  1. The importance of self-acceptance
  2. The strength found in vulnerability
  3. The power of chosen family
  4. The balance between tradition and progress

Final Verdict

“Rewitched” by Lucy Jane Wood earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars. Despite some minor flaws, it’s an enchanting debut that combines the cozy charm of a bookshop romance with the excitement of magical adventure. Perfect for fans of:

  • “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune
  • The Ex Hex” by Erin Sterling
  • “Garden Spells” by Sarah Addison Allen

Who Should Read This?

This book is perfect for:

  • Fans of cozy witch fiction
  • Readers who love bookshop settings
  • Those who enjoy slow-burn romance
  • Anyone dealing with self-doubt or major life transitions

Final Thoughts

“Rewitched” by Lucy Jane Wood is like a warm cup of tea on a chilly autumn evening—comforting, satisfying, and just magical enough to make you believe in possibilities. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it carves out its own charming niche in the world of magical fiction. Lucy Jane Wood has crafted a debut that promises good things to come from her pen, and I’m eagerly awaiting her next magical tale.

Note: The strongest advice I can give is to read this with a cup of something warm, preferably near a window where you can watch falling leaves. The atmospheric autumn vibes are too good to waste!

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"Rewitched" is like a warm cup of tea on a chilly autumn evening – comforting, satisfying, and just magical enough to make you believe in possibilities. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it carves out its own charming niche in the world of magical fiction.Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood