Marissa Meyer’s We Could Be Magic, illustrated with soft, expressive charm by Joelle Murray, is a luminous addition to the world of YA graphic novels. With this vibrant, emotionally rich story, Meyer pivots from her best-known speculative fiction (Cinder, Renegades, Heartless) into a more contemporary, quietly rebellious narrative. But make no mistake—this graphic novel, wrapped in the pastels of a theme park summer, carries more power than its sparkly surface suggests.
This is not a story of a girl being transformed into a princess. It’s about a girl rejecting the mold entirely—and realizing she never needed it to be worthy of magic in the first place.
Story Snapshot: A Dream Summer, A Bitter Reality
Tabitha Laurie, affectionately called Tabi, is a devoted Sommerland superfan. The park, with its fairy tale castles and royal characters, gave her hope during a painful chapter in her childhood. So when she’s accepted into Sommerland’s elite summer intern program, Tabi believes she’s finally stepping into the storybook life she’s always longed for.
But when auditions for the park’s beloved princess roles begin, reality hits harder than expected. Tabi is enthusiastic, talented, and knows the characters by heart—but she doesn’t look the part. The unspoken rule at Sommerland is clear: heroines must be thin.
Instead of a tiara, Tabi gets a nametag at a nacho stand.
What follows is a deeply personal, quietly revolutionary journey as Tabi builds unexpected friendships, sparks a tender romance, and fights to reclaim the magic on her own terms.
What Works Wonderfully in We Could Be Magic
Character-Driven Magic
At the heart of this story is Tabi—unapologetically enthusiastic, sometimes self-conscious, always striving. Meyer masterfully captures the emotional complexity of being young and excluded, of loving a world that refuses to love you back in the same way. Tabi is authentic, and through her, Meyer asks a simple but radical question: Who gets to be seen as magical?
Her growth is steady and realistic. She doesn’t change herself to win approval. Instead, she gradually realizes that she doesn’t need it. That’s a quietly empowering arc, especially for teen readers facing similar struggles with identity and societal expectations.
Visually Wondrous
Joelle Murray’s illustrations elevate this story in every panel. From the glimmering streets of Sommerland to the small, vulnerable moments between friends, the visual storytelling complements Meyer’s voice in mood, tone, and clarity. Characters are distinct and expressive, and the setting feels immersive without overpowering the emotional beats.
Standout moments—like the coronation scene, the group dance rehearsal, or even a simple conversation by the wishing pond—are brought to life with dynamic layout and coloring that make the graphic novel format sing.
Romance with a Refreshing Twist
The romance subplot between Tabi and Percy (a sweet, talented, nonbinary cast member) is handled with care, mutual respect, and a refreshing absence of drama for the sake of drama. There are moments of vulnerability, yes, but this is no angst-fueled tale. Instead, their bond is characterized by gentle humor, quiet support, and shared understanding.
It’s particularly meaningful to see a nonbinary character in a romantic lead role, portrayed with nuance and dignity. Their story is not about identity trauma—it’s about joy, talent, and connection.
A Sharp Take on Industry Ideals
Sommerland may look like a magical utopia, but under the glitter lies a sharp critique of performative inclusivity. Meyer takes aim at the sanitized beauty standards of the entertainment world without turning the book into a manifesto.
There are biting truths here—how physical appearance is prioritized over passion, how “representation” is used as a PR tool, and how much energy marginalized individuals must expend to earn the bare minimum of respect.
Rather than lecture, Meyer lets the theme unfold organically through character decisions and interactions.
Thematic Depth That Resonates
- Body Acceptance: Tabi’s struggle is not about hating her body—it’s about being denied opportunities because of it. That nuance makes her story more real and impactful.
- Authenticity vs. Assimilation: Throughout the novel, characters wrestle with whether they should shrink themselves to fit in or stand tall in their truth. This conflict will resonate with teens pressured to conform.
- Redefining Magic: Instead of waiting to be chosen, Tabi chooses herself. Her triumph isn’t wearing the gown—it’s daring to show that magic can come in many forms.
- Artistic Expression as Resistance: Through costume design, performance, and quiet defiance, Tabi and her friends challenge a system that rewards uniformity. Their creativity becomes a tool for change.
A Few Areas Where the Magic Fizzles Slightly
While We Could Be Magic is a delight overall, a few elements could have used a touch more sparkle:
- Some Predictable Beats: The rejection-turned-redemption arc is familiar. Although Meyer personalizes it well, readers well-versed in YA tropes may find certain plot points foreseeable.
- Abrupt Resolution: The climax builds beautifully toward a moment of public reckoning, but the resolution feels slightly rushed. A deeper dive into the aftermath of Tabi’s bold stand—especially in terms of her relationship with management—would have added emotional closure.
- Limited Insight into Percy’s Inner World: Percy is compelling and endearing, but their backstory remains mostly off-page. More focus on their own dreams and fears would’ve given their relationship with Tabi greater balance and depth.
Why This Book Matters
YA literature needs more stories like We Could Be Magic—stories that challenge the idea of who gets to be seen, who gets to shine, and who gets to wear the metaphorical crown.
Marissa Meyer proves that even without the dragons, androids, or enchanted mirrors she’s famous for, she can still craft a magical story that leaves readers changed.
For fans of:
- Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki
- Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman (novel, not graphic—similar tone around body image and emotional resilience)
- Nimona by ND Stevenson
- Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera
This book will resonate with teens who feel invisible, who love big and hope hard, who are learning how to take up space even when the world tries to shrink them.
Our Final Verdict: A Modern Fairytale That Dares to Rebel
We Could Be Magic is enchanting without being saccharine, romantic without being dependent, and empowering without ever resorting to clichés. It’s a book that wears its heart on its sleeve and invites readers of all shapes, sizes, and identities to imagine themselves as the hero.
Though the plot leans on familiar structures and the resolution could be a touch fuller, this graphic novel succeeds because it centers joy, choice, and confidence in who you are.
It’s a love letter to the kids who don’t see themselves in the princess costumes, and an encouraging nudge to go ahead and write their own stories anyway.